virtualbox.org

I have three servers, all running Slackware 13.0, two 32-bit, one 64-bit. All three have VirtualBox-3.1.4-57640 installed (the "binary" package) and all three are running an XP guest. The 64-bit server (a Dell Inspiron 1750) exhibits no problems but both 32-bit servers exhibit the same problem; i.e., when VirtualBox is started and running XP, clicking on any host window turns the entire display "negative" or "reversed" (however the condition should be described -- looks like a photographic negative). Shutting down XP then shutting down VirtualBox does not correct the situation -- KDE (version 4.2.4) remains in "negative" until shut down and restarted.

Now, this same problem existed on the 32-bit servers with VirtualBox-3.1.4-57640 and one or two releases prior to that one. One 32-bit server is a Dell Dimension 8400 with a Radeon graphic card and the other is a Dell Dimension... uh, can't remember right now but it's roughly one year old with a Intel graphic card. Both are equipped with 4G RAM, the 8400 is a single core processor, the newer one is a dual-core processor and all three systems are running 2.6.29.6 SMP kernels (completely un-fooled-around-with; I don't recompile kernels). The XP that's installed is "from-scratch;" i.e., installed from the Dell distribution CDs, the the service packs (up through 3), then all the microjunk updates (something like 70 if memory serves, plus every Patch Tuesday).

It's been suggested elsewhere that this might have something to do with KDE running 24-bit and XP running 32-bit (or vice-versa or some blasted thing). Or it could be the phase of the moon or who knows what.

Problem is, what the heck do I do to fix the problem?

Hi,
For information, I'm running Slack12.2 32 bit + KDE4.2.0 host and VirtualBox 3.1.2 and XP guest.
Haven't had any negative image problems with that combination, nor with earlier VirtualBoxes.
Good luck,
Peter
PS - added - I'm using nvidia's driver.

I have discovered (accidentally, and thus much to my surprise and horror) that on Ubuntu you can press Super(win)+M to invert the colours on the screen, and Super+N to invert the colours of the active window. I am not sure if it is common in other distros as well, but it could be used to create the effect you describe by pressing M and then N while holding the super(win) key.

Pressing the same keys again will change it back to normal.

The big problems I see with my theory is that 1: Virtualbox captures the super key when the VM window is active so the key combination might not work (didn't work in my test), and 2: I use GNOME, not KDE (not sure if it works in KDE).

Turns out that there are two possible solutions; in my case, only one of which worked.

Setting XLIB_SKIP_ARGB_VISUALS=1 in the environment; e.g., exported system-wide in /etc/profile or similar, may solve this problem (it did not for me). Log out, log back in for it to take effect.

Adding To /etc/X11/xorg.conf does stop the behavior for me. Shut down and restart X (in my case KDE) for it to take effect.