Context Menus, Dialog Boxes not working Linux Mint

[SwampSurvivor]

So, for the first time in a while, I decided to install a version of Linux with a GUI on my server. I'm going to be using it as a bit of a full service workstation for a home lab I am setting up.

What happens is, when I click on "file" or right click on something, for example, the menus are black. You can't see anything in the list option. Same with things like dialog boxes, they are black.

I believe it's some sort of issue with X not being configured properly. This computer won't boot form a USB flash device (USB hard drive, yes) and I did the install with the hard drive in a different computer. Obviously it works on that computer.

My internet connection isn't the greatest, so I am fairly limited for what I can download. I have the option of Linux mint install with GUI or debian net install.

The debian net install would probably work well as I wouldn't be installing the GUI until I got the hard drive in my computer.

This particular computer is a Dell Vostro 200

Any thoughts on getting this to work without having to reinstall everything?

 

[simple_gifts]

Authorize a different user, log in as that, and see if the issue persists. You could also wipe out the "dot" configuration file, but I'm still looking in to see what directory that is.

edit: I misunderstood the issue; I believe you need to reconfigure xorg.

 

[simple_gifts]

sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg

From reading around, I gather this should reconfigure the video.
Use at your own risk.

If I understand correctly, you installed the system on one machine and then switched the HD to another? The reason the graphics subsystem needs to be reconfigured is that the drivers and parameters were set up the the old hardware and it needs to 'look around' and redetermine the video system.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: simple_gifts
Authorize a different user, log in as that, and see if the issue persists. You could also wipe out the "dot" configuration file, but I'm still looking in to see what directory that is.

edit: I misunderstood the issue; I believe you need to reconfigure xorg.



I'll give it a shot. I thought that is what I would need to do. Unfortunately, I have just been busy pretty much every minute this week and have not had a chance to try it.


Originally Posted By: simple_gifts
sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg

From reading around, I gather this should reconfigure the video.
Use at your own risk.

If I understand correctly, you installed the system on one machine and then switched the HD to another? The reason the graphics subsystem needs to be reconfigured is that the drivers and parameters were set up the the old hardware and it needs to 'look around' and redetermine the video system.


Yep. The computer in which the hard drive is installed refuses to boot from a flash drive ... will boot from a USB hard drive or an HP printer, though!

 

[Rand]

yea back in 2007 usb booting was kinda iffy, same with sata dvd drives.