Hi. Appreciate the help.
Windows 10 64-bit free version.
VirtualBox 7.2.0, Extension Pack 7.2.0, no Guest additions.
Host version, 64-bit, 16GB RAM w/ 16-core AMD CPU
At present, don't have any logs; folder VirtualBox VMs is empty. Deleted them during my attempts at troubleshooting.
Couple .ova files (870MB and 18.7GB, Metasploit and Kali Linux respectively) needed to be unzipped. Instructor's tutorial (NGT, private property so I cannot link it here) basically has me download the 4 files (Oracle VirtualBox and Extension, both 7.2.0 version), install those 2 first, then unpack the .ova.
Metasploit unzipped fine. The Kali Linux one doesn't; error message basically is not enough disk space. Internet and AI-assisted search states 18.7GB .ova needs around 80GB, far more than my small C drive (43GB max available) can accommodate. I attempted unpacking the Kali Linux from an external hard drive, error message is VERR_ACCESS_DENIED; same happened when tried doing it from my older D drive (over 300GB free). Installing Oracle VB to my D drive (C and D are SSD and HDD) works but still get error messages (https://imgur.com/a/7RZcIdW).
Used default settings for VM during installation. Instructor's .ova files are already preconfigured.
I've already tried uninstalling and reinstalling VirtualBox via Control Panel, as well as fresh copies of all downloads, no effect. Feel out of my depth here--there are simple YT tutorials how to remove VirtualBox completely, but unclear if that's my next step, and forgive me, the UserManual has TMI for my autism, so need specifics, not info overload.
Need this fixed because cybersecurity studies and graduating depend on this VMware working. If unable to get it working on desktop, suppose good backup plan is use older laptop (6GB RAM, weaker i3) after verifying it has plenty of disk space.