How to enable/emulate hardware virtualization for the Acer Aspire 5738?

Question

I want to emulate Windows 95 from Windows 7 on my Acer Aspire 5738. I've downloaded Windows Virtual PC, but creating a new virtual machine gives:

Windows Virtual PC cannot start because this computer does not support hardware-assisted virtualization.

How can I enable HAV? I can't find an appropriate option in the boot menu.

Is there any way to do this with just software virtualization? I could take the performance hit.

Answer 1

Your CPU does not support hardware virtualization. If it did, you would turn it on or off in the BIOS.

From Intel's page about that CPU:

Advanced Technologies

• Intel® Turbo Boost Technology: No
• Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology: No
• Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x): No
• Intel® Trusted Execution Technology: No
• Intel® 64: Yes
• Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology: Yes
• Intel® Demand Based Switching: No
• Execute Disable Bit: Yes

Answer 2

You can download an update to run Windows Virtual PC without hardware virtualization. Supposedly only XP is supported.

You might be better support, including integration, with an older version of Virtual PC, or with another product like VirtualBox.