[SOLVED] Using TurboTax 2018 via VirtualBox 6.0

[cwr]

I have used TurboTax in a Windows virtual computer (with Windows host and VirtualBox) for a few years now, and have had no problems until now. During the last year I took the leap and changed to a Linux Mint 18.3 host. 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.

[deepakdeshp]

Good that you also found the solution. Add solved to your first post which will help others.

[ajgringo619]

I have used TurboTax in a Windows virtual computer (with Windows host and VirtualBox) for a few years now, and have had no problems until now. During the last year I took the leap and changed to a Linux Mint 18.3 host. 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.

The default driver for VB6 is VMSVGA. I had major problems with it, so I changed to VBoxVGA (no need to disable the driver in Windows). This has worked on all of my VMs, not just Windows. Screen size with this driver is not an issue (can go to 1920x1080, the max my monitor supports).

[kevin987]

Another option is to do TurboTax online without the need for software.

Some people aren't comfortable with that, but the info is going to get transmitted online anyway, unless you use snail mail for your return.

[cwr]

What a simple and elegant solution, ajgringo619! I see that many others have had problems with VB6's default Graphics Controller, and indeed changing it from VBoxSVGA to VBoxVGA completely took care of the problem. 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. Text in TurboTax will now display black-on-white (as intended).