up vote 10 down vote favorite
3
share [g+] share [fb]

I'd like to provide a guest OS with multiple CPUs in VirtualBox. My host machine is a quad core HP Compaq and uses the Intel Core 2 vPro hardware.

However, when I try to enable the setting in vbox, I get an error that VT-x is not available. Is this something that I can enable somewhere? how do I find out otherwise whether my hardware supports it?

edit: per suggestions below, I tried using the Securable tool, and it reports that hardware virtualization is "Locked Off". The processors are reported as "Intel Core 2 Quad CPU / Q9400 @ 2.66GHz"

link|improve this question
100% accept rate
Were you able to find the setting in the BIOS? If not, give us the model name/number of your HP. – arathorn Aug 14 '09 at 20:36
Turns out I just wasn't looking in the right place in the BIOS. It was under the Security menu :-) – Joel Martinez Aug 14 '09 at 20:38
feedback

protected by studiohack♦ May 12 '11 at 6:32

This question is protected to prevent "thanks!", "me too!", or spam answers by new users. To answer it, you must have earned at least 10 reputation on this site.

6 Answers

up vote 9 down vote accepted

You can use the tool Securable from Gibson Research to find out if your hardware supports virtualization extensions. If it tells you that your hardware is supported, but not enabled, check the BIOS settings to enable it.

link|improve this answer
I used securable and updated the question text with what it reported (Locked Off). I poked around in the BIOS but could not see anything about VT-x, hardware virtualization, or vmx – Joel Martinez Aug 14 '09 at 19:46
"Locked Off" means that your processor supports virtualization, but that it has been disabled in the BIOS – heavyd Aug 14 '09 at 19:56
feedback
up vote 4 down vote

Your processor does support VT-X, you'll just need to enable it in the BIOS settings. Reboot your computer and press the specified key on the boot screen to go into the BIOS Setup and enable it.

link|improve this answer
added specifics about the CPUs on the host. let me know if there's something else I should give you specifics on. thanks! – Joel Martinez Aug 14 '09 at 19:45
feedback
up vote 2 down vote

This may not be obvious. Its sometimes called vanderpool technology in the bios without mentioning virtualisation.

link|improve this answer
feedback
up vote 1 down vote

Make sure your hardware support vt-x check list, then make sure it is enabled in BIOS.

link|improve this answer
feedback
up vote 1 down vote

As a side note: some laptops require you to shut down and power off the laptop after enabling VT-x in the BIOS, and removing the power cable and battery for 30 seconds. I just today had such a laptop, and found this solution here.

link|improve this answer
feedback
up vote 0 down vote

Start your PC, press F2, go to the security option and enable VT technology.

link|improve this answer
feedback

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.