[Resolved] Using TurboTax 2018 via VirtualBox 6.0

[cwr2]

I have used TurboTax in a Windows virtual computer (with Windows host and VirtualBox) for a few years, and have had no problems until now. During the last year I took the leap and changed to a Linux Mint 18.3 host. The problem: If you are running TurboTax 2018 in a Windows 10 virtual computer within VirtualBox 6.0, you may be surprised to discover that text in most pop-up and pull-down windows is displayed as white against a white background (i.e., is not legible). The problem lies with VirtualBox's display driver (in versions 6.0.0, 6.0.2, and the current 6.0.4). If you disable the driver from within the Windows virtual computer's Device Manager, then the problem disappears. However, the downside to this solution is that you will need to live with a smaller screen-size. Hope this helps someone.

[socratis]

The problem lies with VirtualBox's display driver (in versions 6.0.0, 6.0.2, and the current 6.0.4)

What's the value for the Graphics Controller in the VM Settings » Display » Screen? If you created the VM in 6.0.x it should default to VBoxSVGA. If that's the case, can you switch to VBoxVGA (no "S"). And since you're at it, can you tell me the values for the 2D/3D acceleration and the VRAM size? You should have both 2D/3D enabled and you should max the VRAM.

If that doesn't work, we need to see a complete VBox.log, from a complete VM run, where the problem occurs:

• Start the VM from cold-boot (not from a paused or saved state) / Observe problem / Shutdown the VM (force close it if you have to).
• With the VM completely shut down (not paused or saved), right-click on the VM in the VirtualBox Manager and select "Show Log".
• Save only the first "VBox.log", ZIP it and attach it to your response. See the "Upload attachment" tab below the reply form.

[cwr2]

Thanks, socratis. Switching to VBoxVGA did the trick! Now text in TurboTax displays black-on-white as intended. I now see that many others have had problems with VB6's default Graphics Controller, and changing it from VBoxSVGA to VBoxVGA completely took care of their problems too. To help others, it should be noted that this change is made within VirtualBox, not within the virtual computer itself. The correction is thus made as follows:
1. Shut down the offending virtual computer (oVM).
2. Open VirtualBox (VB).
3. Click on the oVM in VB's left pane.
4. Click on the Settings icon.
5. Select Display (at left).
6. Change VBoxSVGA to VBoxVGA in the drop-down menu to the right of "Graphics Controller:".
7. Press OK.
And, of course, after restarting the oVM be sure that Guest Additions have been installed on it.