Resolving the Kernel driver not installed (rc=-1908) Error on Fedora 36

Learn how to fix the `Kernel driver not installed (rc=-1908)` error in VirtualBox on Fedora 36 with this simple guide.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/72985955/ asked by the user 'Kyrylo' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/16144419/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/73043006/ provided by the user 'vitallium' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/2324249/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Understanding the VirtualBox Kernel Driver Error

If you've recently reinstalled Fedora 36 and are suddenly faced with the message "Kernel driver not installed (rc=-1908)" while trying to run VirtualBox, you’re not alone. This issue typically arises when the VirtualBox kernel modules aren't properly set up on your Linux system. Let’s dive into what this error means and how you can effectively resolve it.

What is the Error?

The error message indicates that the VirtualBox kernel driver is either not loaded or hasn't been configured correctly. This can happen for a variety of reasons, especially after a fresh installation where some key components may be missing or not functioning as expected.

Key Parts of the Error:

Kernel driver not installed: Refers to the VirtualBox driver not being recognized by the host operating system.

rc=-1908: An error code indicating a problem with the driver installation or configuration.

Commands suggested: The message advises running /sbin/vboxconfig as root and, if applicable, signing the kernel modules due to EFI Secure Boot.

Solution Steps

1. Install Development Tools

First, one critical step in troubleshooting this error is ensuring you have the necessary development tools installed on your system. Open your terminal and run the following commands:

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This command will install a collection of development packages that are essential for compiling and building software, which includes kernel modules.

2. Install Kernel Headers and Development Packages

Next, you will need to install the kernel headers and kernel development packages. Use this command in your terminal:

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These packages provide the tools needed to build the VirtualBox kernel drivers that interface with the system’s Linux kernel.

3. Set Up VirtualBox Kernel Modules

After you’ve installed the necessary packages, it’s time to configure VirtualBox's kernel modules. You can do this by running:

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This command will compile and load the required kernel modules. If you have EFI Secure Boot enabled, you may need to sign these modules to allow them to load properly, which usually means referring to your system's documentation for specific instructions on how to doi this.

4. Optional: Restart VirtualBox Services

If you still encounter issues, restarting the VirtualBox service might help. Use the command:

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This command reloads the VirtualBox driver, ensuring all changes take effect.

Conclusion

By following these straightforward steps, you should be able to resolve the "Kernel driver not installed (rc=-1908)" error on Fedora 36. If problems persist, ensure all dependencies are accounted for and consider checking additional resources or forums specific to your Linux distribution for further troubleshooting advice.

Remember, maintaining your system's kernel and drivers is crucial for a smooth virtualization experience. Happy virtualizing!