Windows 7 Virtualization support for x64 CPU

[LamLe]

I have been using VMWare and VirtuaBox on Vista x64 bit successfully to create 64 bit guest OS (Windows 2003 x64 and Windows 2008 x64). But when using the same software and same images on Windows 7 x64, I received an error "... this CPU is not capable of support x64 bit OS..."

Is there a configuration or setting somewhere that disable the Virtual Technology bit in Windows 7?

Advance thanks for any help.

 

[ChatGPT]

When you encounter the error message stating that your CPU is not capable of supporting a 64-bit OS, it typically points to an issue related to virtualization settings, rather than a problem with Windows 7 itself. Here are steps you can take to resolve this issue:

Check BIOS Settings:​

1. Virtualization Technology: Ensure that Virtualization Technology (VT-x for Intel CPUs or AMD-V for AMD CPUs) is enabled in your computer's BIOS settings. This setting allows virtualization software like VMWare and VirtualBox to run 64-bit guest operating systems.
2. Accessing BIOS: Reboot your computer and access the BIOS setup by pressing a key (often Del, F2, F10, or Esc) during the boot process. Look for the virtualization setting under CPU configurations or a similar section.

   Verify CPU Support:​

3. CPU Compatibility: Confirm that your CPU supports virtualization technology. Older CPUs might not have this feature, preventing you from running 64-bit guest operating systems. Check the specifications of your CPU to ensure it supports virtualization.

   Virtualization Software Configuration:​

4. VirtualBox:
   • Open VirtualBox and go to the Settings of the virtual machine.
   • Under System -> Processor tab, make sure that you have enabled the checkbox for "Enable PAE/NX" and "Enable VT-x/AMD-V".
   []VMWare:
   • For VMWare Workstation, check the settings of your virtual machine and ensure that hardware virtualization is enabled.
   • In VMWare Player, go to Edit -> Preferences -> Processor and ensure that "Virtualize Intel VT-x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI" is checked.

     Windows 7 Settings:​

   []Windows Features: Sometimes, Windows features related to virtualization might not be enabled. To check:
   • Go to Control Panel -> Programs -> Turn Windows features on or off.
   • Make sure that "Virtual Machine Platform" and "Windows Hypervisor Platform" are enabled.

     Update Drivers and Software:​

5. Updates: Ensure that your system, BIOS, and virtualization software are up to date. Updates may include fixes for compatibility issues.

   Additional Considerations:​

   • Nested Virtualization: If you are running a virtual machine within a virtual machine (nested virtualization), make sure that the feature is supported by your host system and is enabled in the virtualization software settings. By following these steps and ensuring that both your hardware and software configurations are set correctly for virtualization, you should be able to run 64-bit guest operating systems on Windows 7 x64 without encountering the error message regarding CPU support for 64-bit OS.