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A number of end users have reported encountering the “Failed to acquire the VirtualBox COM object. The application will now terminate” error notification when attempting to open VirtualBox. There are variations (of the error) where an indication of the potential cause is highlighted. This error is known to occur on virtually every iteration of Windows (7/8/10 & 11). In this tutorial, we’ll be going through its various causes, along with a list of solutions you can implement today.
The error itself indicates that the COM (Component Object Model) failed to initialise during the execution phase. Typically, there are no error codes associated with this error, however the error message indicates an underlying issue which one must understand to rectify this problem and restore access to the VirtualBox app.
Symptoms of Failed to Acquire the VirtualBox COM Object include:
- VirtualBox cannot be launched: Depending on how imperative access of the virtual machine is, this could be catastrophic.
- Loss of data: An inability to access the virtual space, could result in loss of data.
- Productivity Impact: Testers and developers that require access to the VirtualBox will experience workflow disruption.
What Causes Failed to Acquire the VirtualBox COM Object’ Errors?
I was able to carry out sufficient research on the error itself, examining the most commonly reported causes along with its various working repair techniques. The research has shown that there are several culprits. These are as follows:
- Lack of permissions: Despite VirtualBox being properly installed on your system, the user may lack the necessary administrative rights to start it. Many users have devised a workaround, which entails configuring the app to run with the necessary privileges (through a shortcut link).
- Virtual was installed without the correct admin rights: In order for the VirtualBox to properly run, it must be installed with the correct administrative privileges. This is crucial, as some services will become inaccessible as a result. Ultimately, a reinstallation should fix this problem.
- Malformed Master Guest Registry: The ‘Failed to Acquire the VirtualBox COM Object’ error is also known to occur as a result of registry corruption. In instances like this, users have found that moving the .VirtualBox folder will almost certainly fix the problem.
If you’ve been on the prowl, looking for a way to fix this problem, then you’ve come to the right place. Next, we will be covering a wide range of troubleshooting techniques that you can deploy today.
The method that works for you, will depend, ultimately on the root cause of the error. Anyway, let’s get to it.
How to Fix It
It is recommended that you follow the methods, ideally in the order that they appear, as this will ensure you achieve the most effective results.
Regardless of what may be causing the ‘Failed to Acquire the VirtualBox COM Object’ error, the first thing you should consider doing, is disabling your security solution.
It’s possible your internet security suite is preventing you from accessing the VirtualBox app. However, in order to determine whether or not this is the case, you will need to disable your security tool (at least temporarily), then examine.
Note: Once you have conducted the test, you should immediately re-enable your security solution – as this will safeguard your system from potential malicious attacks.
Run Windows Repair Tool to Fix Failed to Acquire the VirtualBox COM Object
If the simple solution above fails to fix the ‘Failed to Acquire the VirtualBox COM Object’ error, then you must consider the use of a Windows repair tool.
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Run As an Admin
As already mentioned, it’s possible the ‘Failed to Acquire the VirtualBox COM Object’ error is due to a lack of administrative rights. As a result, you may want to consider running VirtualBox as an admin to see whether or not it’s the cause of the error.
To do that, follow the simple steps below:
1. First, right-click on the VirtualBox desktop icon and select Properties.
2. This will bring up the Oracle VirtualBox Properties applet, from here, click on the Compatibility Tab. Now, tick the box next to Run this program as an administrator, then click on OK.
3. Try running VirtualBox to determine whether or not this fixed the problem.
Install VirtualBox with Admin Rights
A correct installation of VirtualBox requires the necessary administrative privileges. If the app was installed incorrectly, then it could be the root cause of the ‘Failed to Acquire the VirtualBox COM Object’ error notification.
Thus, to fix this problem, you will need to reinstall the program. To do that, follow these steps:
1. First, boot into your system as a full administrator.
2. Then press 
+ R, type Appwiz.cpl and click on OK.
3. This will bring up Program and Features, simply, click on Oracle VirtualBox and click on Uninstall.
4. Once VirtualBox has been successfully removed, you can download the latest version of it from here: https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
5. After the download completes, simply right-click on the executable file and select Run as administrator.
6. Follow the onscreen instructions to finish the installation.
Move .VirtualBox
If the Virtualbox.xml file has been corrupted, then you may be presented with the ‘Failed to Acquire the VirtualBox COM Object’ error message. Fortunately, users have discovered that they can get around this problem by simply moving the VirtualBox folder to another location.
To do that, follow the steps below:
1. First, log into your system as an admin.
2. Then press + R, type C:\Users\ and click on OK.
3. This will bring up the Users folder, from here, double-click on your Login Username.
4. Now, click on the .VirtualBox folder and select Cut.
5. Go to a different location (possibly the Desktop) then right-click and select Paste.
6. Try opening VirtualBox to determine whether or not it has fixed the problem.
Note: As an alternative, you can simply erase the .VirtualBox folder. But it’s better to move it, in the event that you need to restore it (if it doesn’t fix the error).
Restore ACL Permissions to Fix Failed to Acquire the VirtualBox COM Object
Another possible cause of the ‘Failed to Acquire the VirtualBox COM Object’ error is a user permissions issue. Fortunately, there is a quick little method you can use, to hopefully rectify this problem.
Simply do the following:
1. Boot into your system as an admin.
2. Then press + R, type cmd and press CTRL + Shift + Enter.
3. Now, type the following command below and press Enter.
ICACLS * /T /Q /C /RESET
Note: ICACLS will reset all folder, subfolder and files permissions back to their default.
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