OpenGL always on top problem

Discussions related to using VirtualBox on Windows hosts.
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madeinlondon
Posts: 2
Joined: 26. Dec 2013, 18:39

OpenGL always on top problem

Post by madeinlondon »

Hi everyone!
I just recently started using VB on my Windows 8 laptop in order to run Linux Mint 16, as my data processing & molecular graphics programs play together more nicely on linux.

However, I am having a problem with the molecular display programs which use OpenGL:

If I turn on 3D acceleration for my VM, the OpenGL windows ALWAYS obscure whatever else there is. this could be a dropdown menu in the same program, which would "in theory" overlay the OpenGL display area, or, as in the picture (scratch that - cannot post URLs yet lol), the terminal, which is the active window over the "coot" session.


This does not happen with 3D acceleration turned off, which sadly is not a valid option as it consumes CPU power like crazy.


Any hints, tips, and help is GREATLY appreciated!

regards, David
mpack
Site Moderator
Posts: 39134
Joined: 4. Sep 2008, 17:09
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: Mostly XP

Re: OpenGL always on top problem

Post by mpack »

Sounds like a bug in the OpenGL library. Specifically it sounds like it's defining a rectangle on the host display to show a video overlay, but it isn't using a transparency mask (bluescreen / magentascreen) to clip out other windows.

At what level this bug occurs I don't know (guest app, guest OS renderer, host OpenGL interface layer) - but I'm reasonably sure it isn't VirtualBox.

You could try updating your host display drivers.
madeinlondon
Posts: 2
Joined: 26. Dec 2013, 18:39

Re: OpenGL always on top problem

Post by madeinlondon »

Seing your reply, I might have to add that this problem is fully contained in the VM. I can easily drag host windows over top of the VM and they display as they should, eg., stay on top.

*edit
my host drivers are up to date.
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