What is the simplest way to configure a common Files partition?

Hello Community!

On my external SSD, I have 3 boot partitions:

1. Windows
2. macOS
3. Linux

In each of the OS, I have installed both VirtualBox as well as VMware. Now each of these have multiple VMs.

I have a separate partition on my external SSD that is supposed to act as a common point for files. Let's call it partition Z. The usual libraries (Documents, Pictures, Videos, etc.) are saved here. This partition is also where the actual VM Disks are stored.

I'm trying to set up the operating systems in such a way that all their respective libraries are mapped to the same folders in partition Z, i.e. they all access the same library in each category.

The problem is this:

Since I'm booting off the external disk, this partition Z is NOT accessible to the VMs (especially on macOS) because USB arbitration cannot work here since the host itself is booting from the external disk.

I tried sharing the libraries over the network, but that is creating a different kind of a problem since different OSes use a different address structure to access network shares. For example, Windows uses Z:/Downloads whereas macOS uses /Volumes/Downloads.

I hope I have been able to explain the problem properly.

What is the simplest way to configure a setup where all OSes (especially those inside VMs) have access to the exact same libraries present in a different partition of the same external disk that the host is booting from?

Thanks.

This all sounds too complicated ( and beyond me ) I keep mine simple and let the computer do it

The-Hive said:

This all sounds too complicated ( and beyond me ) I keep mine simple and let the computer do it

Click to expand...

The reason is essentially two fold:

1. I want all files created/ downloaded/ modified using any OS or VM to be available irrespective of which OS or VM I am currently working from.

2. Saves space in the boot partitions. I don't keep any of my files in the boot partition.

There is one solution though. I can look for a program or a batch script that will automatically move all files from within the OS library to partition Z automatically on a time schedule. But I am still looking for a better way to do this.