Can't get VirtualBox to work in Ubuntu 16.04

Question

I upgraded my HD and decided to start fresh with the most recent Ubuntu release. It works and I'm aware of the bug making it impossible to install third party software from within the software center. So far I had no problem installing those packages using the terminal with the dpkg command. But now I'm stuck... I want to install VirtualBox so that I can continue a pen testing course and we use Kali Linux in a virtual machine for our practicing and experiments. Are there any one else having this problem? Are there anyone else having a fix for it?

The problem is that VirtualBox gives an error about not being able to start the kernel driver. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling, I tried to reinstall the dkms package (I'm not sure if it is dkms - but at least something close to it). So, it boils down to being able to install virtual box but not being able to start a virtual machine.

Solution

If you want to use VirtualBox on *buntus, the best practice is to use Oracle's server and install it from there instead of using the one in the repos.

So, you should uninstall everything concerning VirtualBox that you've installed from the repos except for dkms. dkms is the only thing you must install prior to installing VirtualBox.

You need to follow the instructions on putting the Oracle server on your system, here: https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads

There is a 16.04 specific section that tells you exactly what to do with the keys.

After you install it successfully, you need to install the VirtualBox Extension pack which is available on this page: https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

Good luck!

Comments

[Jos]

If I remember correctly, virtualbox needs you to compile the driver first. It says "could not start the kernel driver" and tells you exactly which command to use. Am I right?

[Bruni]

Use the ppa as described here: askubuntu.com/questions/633639/…

[amc]

no need to disable secure boot

[EKons]

Are you sure OP has Synaptic installed?

[Mashqur]

install virtualbox-dkms from synaptic package manager.

[EKons]

I mean, are you sure OP even has Synaptic Package Manager installed??

[Mashqur]

OP? What I did I explained clearly.

[EKons]

I mean OP might not even have any trace of Synaptic on their PC. OP did not specify if they have Synaptic or not, so I would not make such an assumption, as in your answer or Sameera's.

[Assimilater]

@Mashqur OP means original poster