@ Klaus

Yes, the dual cpu problem still exists with the current state of my VirtualBox.

The dual cpu problem is not THE show stopper for me, but not having USB access is
just too inconvenient. It looks like a lot of folks with my sort of set-up have
a problem. That is, Win7, 64-bit and dual cpus. Werner uses a Debian host, but
the only big supply of Gb's I have is on Win7. Here's a ref on this:

http://www.virtualbox.org/ticket/5343

My VirtualBox seemed to be handling things like synaptic very well, and began to look
like a good avenue for me toward re-mastering. But somewhere in trying to get USB working, my VB has gotten damaged, I think, and even re-installs are not solving this problem.

I do have to wonder: if the hardware emulation in VirtualBox is poor, can we be
comfortable with the products it helps us produce, say by remastering? Might
it not inflict some distortion or artifacts into the process?

@ Werner

Thanks again for your help.
I am embarrassed at having co-opted your re-mastering thread for this VB diversion.
It may be a useful demo that one needs his VB house to be in good order BEFORE tackling
re-mastering with it.