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I can not use Virtual PC because my hardware cmos settings can not turn it on and it is not compatible. Is there a Virtual Drive Box SUN or anything that can use a emulation so I don't have to buy a new mobo?
Any help?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by stryker4526

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A compact, practical follow‑up that builds on points from and — a short checklist and real options for moving forward without repeating the earlier back‑and‑forth.

To confirm whether the CPU actually exposes virtualization extensions, identify the processor model and then check the flags. A quick command shows the CPU name:

wmic cpu get name

For a definitive hardware flag check, run Microsoft Sysinternals Coreinfo (or GRC SecurAble). Coreinfo will show VMX (Intel) or SVM (AMD) when the CPU supports virtualization; an asterisk marks availability.

If the CPU lacks virtualization extensions, full Windows Virtual PC XP Mode cannot run. Practical alternatives that work on many older systems include VirtualBox and VMware Player/Workstation; note that 32‑bit guests often run without VT‑x/AMD‑V, but 64‑bit guests normally require hardware virtualization. Also consider using Windows 7 compatibility settings for single apps to avoid a VM entirely. Be mindful that running a retail Windows XP in a VM requires a valid license.

If the CPU does support virtualization but no BIOS option is visible, a motherboard/BIOS update can sometimes expose the setting — it cannot add VT‑x/AMD‑V where the silicon doesn’t support it. BIOS option names vary (Intel Virtualization Technology, VT‑x, Vanderpool, SVM, AMD‑V); OEMs sometimes hide or lock the setting (common on some laptops and branded desktops), so vendor documentation and BIOS change logs should be checked before updating. BIOS updates carry risk — follow manufacturer instructions and have backups.

Summary of practical next steps: get the exact CPU model (via wmic), run Coreinfo or SecurAble to read flags, check vendor BIOS notes if virtualization is present but hidden, and otherwise use VirtualBox/VMware (or app compatibility mode) as the realistic workaround.

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Member Avatar for stryker4526

I can not use Virtual PC because my hardware cmos settings can not turn it on and it is not compatible. Is there a Virtual Drive Box SUN or anything that can use a emulation so I don't have to buy a new mobo?
Any help?

Do you mean the Windows 7 XP mode? In order to use that, you need a processor that supports hardware virtualization, your mobo really has little to do with it. There aren't very many out there right now that support this, so you might have trouble without getting a new processor.

Member Avatar for DaniWeb4Jim

So you mean that without a new CPU I can NOT use any V emulation software to do the job?

Do you mean the Windows 7 XP mode? In order to use that, you need a processor that supports hardware virtualization, your mobo really has little to do with it. There aren't very many out there right now that support this, so you might have trouble without getting a new processor.

Member Avatar for stryker4526

So you mean that without a new CPU I can NOT use any V emulation software to do the job?

You can use other virtual PC software, I believe. You just won't be able to use Windows 7's virtual PC software since it relies on that processor support for hardware virtualization. In other words no, you will not be able to use XP mode without getting a processor which supports hardware virtualization.

Member Avatar for DaniWeb4Jim

Okay, Thanks
If I update the bios will that update the processor or no buy a new one?
I have so many questions that are answered here, so I ask a lot. Hope you don't mind????

You can use other virtual PC software, I believe. You just won't be able to use Windows 7's virtual PC software since it relies on that processor support for hardware virtualization. In other words no, you will not be able to use XP mode without getting a processor which supports hardware virtualization.

Member Avatar for stryker4526

Okay, Thanks
If I update the bios will that update the processor or no buy a new one?
I have so many questions that are answered here, so I ask a lot. Hope you don't mind????

Nope, the BIOS controls the motherboard, mostly. Your chipset AND your BIOS has to support it. Generally though, if you have a chipset which supports it, the BIOS already does.

Member Avatar for DaniWeb4Jim

I can only use Windows 7 but not XPMode. You asked if I was using Virtual PC in Windows XP and the answer is no. I tried the Visualization in Windows XP and the same holds true. I have no AMD-V or INTEL-VT setting in any of my desktops. I have it in my 2 year old Laptop but I can NOT get it to go from VISTA to XP. HP Pavilion's are engineered for VISTA drivers only. I called the HP Support and all of the forums confirmed it so I did a clean install of Windows 7 Ultimate. Thanks for your help, we are on the same page now.

Nope, the BIOS controls the motherboard, mostly. Your chipset AND your BIOS has to support it. Generally though, if you have a chipset which supports it, the BIOS already does.

Member Avatar for stryker4526

I can only use Windows 7 but not XPMode. You asked if I was using Virtual PC in Windows XP and the answer is no. I tried the Visualization in Windows XP and the same holds true. I have no AMD-V or INTEL-VT setting in any of my desktops. I have it in my 2 year old Laptop but I can NOT get it to go from VISTA to XP. HP Pavilion's are engineered for VISTA drivers only. I called the HP Support and all of the forums confirmed it so I did a clean install of Windows 7 Ultimate. Thanks for your help, we are on the same page now.

Actually I asked if you meant XP mode on Windows 7, but it's all cleared up now anyway. Make sure to mark the thread as solved if you don't have any more questions!

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