Change of CPU?

[RobbieF]

Hello. I have a Pavilion6045uk, which has an Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 cpu. I recently installed Winows 7 with no major problems. I am aware that the processor currently fitted does not support Intel Virtualisation Technology. If I were to purchase a new processor, such as a Q9300 (which does support VT), would I then be able to run the virtual XP mode? Or, would BIOS not allow the VT to work? Your assistance would be much appreciated as I would like to run a number of old XP-era programs. Thank you for your time

[MarkL_Ferguson]

If you installed 7 Pro or Ultimate, Virtual PC and XP-Mode will run on the system. (Home fails to use XP mode, but can do VPC)

Changing a CPU can have a big effect on the system. You will want to use Device Manager (control panel) to 'uninstall' the driver, and 'scan for harware changes', and be sure the right drivers are available. Since you upgraded on your own, you may find you need to get the Intel drivers on the system, depending on the CPU type. As far as the BIOS settings are concerned, you will be able to locate any virtualization setting in the BIOS setup as needed.

Your system will boot the new CPU just fine in most cases, but the better drivers and scan are necessary to use it well.

[RasterBlaster]

If you go into your BIOS you should see "Virtualization Technology" on the Power tab. If you install a new processor, set this to "Enabled".

[RobbieF]

Thanks for your help there - will plunge ahead at some point with some sort of a CPU upgrade!

RF