Cannot access virtual machine via ping from the physical host machine

Question

I'm installing a FreeBSD Server on VirtualBox. I set up the IP address (192.168.10.5) for the virtual server to run a mail server and the host computer(Windows 7) with 192.168.10.184. The two machines cannot communicate or connect to each other.

I cannot ping from the virtual machine to the host and vice versa. The host machine connects to a LAN. I want the mail server to run frm a VMachine.

I think it's a problem with the network configuration of the virtual machine.

Solution

In the settings for this VM, what kind of attachment is configured for your network adapter (Settings -> Network -> Adapter 1 tab)?

If you're set to the default (NAT), then you probably want to switch to use bridged networking. You'll be asked to associate a physical network interface. Pick the one that is on your 192.168.10 network.

If none if this is news to you, or if that doesn't work, I can try to assist further.

For more background, see the networking section of the VirtualBox manual.