Tips to open VDI file

Can't open the VDI file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open VDI files as well as a list of programs that support VDI files.

VDI file extension

File Name VirtualBox Virtual Disk Image
File Developer Oracle
File Category Disk Image Files

The VDI file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the VDI files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the VDI file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is VDI file?

The file with the extension VDI is the Disk Image Files file type. The creator of this file is Oracle. Additionally, the Disk Image Files category contains 203 of other files. VirtualBox Virtual Disk Image is most often found on 3 operating systems. The file will work on Linux, Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The VirtualBox application is recommended to open the file. It was released by Oracle Corporation. Alternatively, you can use 4 other programs. The Parallels Desktop, Parallels Workstation programs will also handle the file when the VirtualBox program does not fulfill its role.

How to open VDI file?

An often recurring problem with VirtualBox Virtual Disk Image is that VDI is not associated with the correct program file. Thus, when you open VDI, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the VDI file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install VirtualBox

The first step is to check if the computer has the VirtualBox program installed. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name VirtualBox in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file VDI with VirtualBox. Below you will find a list of applications that support VDI files.

Step 2. Create association of VirtualBox with VDI files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the VDI file to open in the VirtualBox application, but you can set it manually. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the VDI file with the VirtualBox program.

Step 3. Update VirtualBox to the latest version

If, however, after binding VirtualBox with VirtualBox Virtual Disk Image there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Oracle Corporation website and install the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the VDI file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:

The VDI file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to VDI files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file VDI or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected VDI file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the VDI file. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular VDI file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Oracle
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted VDI files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the VDI file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. In this case, the VDI file is blocked by the first application to open it. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the VDI file again. However, some background programs may block the VDI file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.