The Hard Disks tab allows users to connect virtual hard disk images to your virtual machine. Two IDE controllers are offered by VirtualBox with both having a master and slave connection. There are three potential hard disks to be used, since the CD-ROM/DVD drive has one of the reserved positions out of the four connectors. Each of the three hard disks remaining is represented by one disk image file. Users have the option of choosing the IDE Controller Type that will be presented to the virtual machine. The options are PIIX3, PIIX4 or ICH6. There is not a distinct variance between the options, but can be vital when importing a virtual machine from other virtualization software programs.

The Hard Disks tab also gives users the option for VirtualBox to present an SATA or SCSI controller to the guest OS. Modern operating systems are recommended when enabling these options.




Users are free to add, exchange, and remove virtual hard drives after the VM has been set up. Additional disks may also be added by double-clicking the empty space in the list of virtual disks. You can also use the icons on the right side of the list to add / remove the disk. You will be able to select what image will be used and whether the disk will be connected as a primary master, slave, or secondary slave.



A different image can be selected by clicking the icon to the right "Select Hard Disk". The Virtual Disk Image Manager will be presented to change the image.