XP-mode in Windows 7 - Alienware M17x-R2

Hi guys,

I'm trying to use XP-mode in Win7 (VirtualPC XP image prepared for Win7) and I'm getting error message that I need to disable Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) and enable virtualization in the BIOS. The only problem is that there is no such thing in the BIOS (I'm running v. A01 EC 15.22) and Intel i7 processor has native support of virtualization.

I'm just wondering if you experiencing the same problem with Alienware? It is looking that nobody using Windows 7 proffesional and up cannot use free XP virtual machine!

I will log a call with tech support but maybe you have some experience with that issue?

Cheers,
maciejka

 

I'm pretty sure this is an mx17 thing, they do not support VT, even though the CPU you bought supports it. Maybe they will release a bios update, who knows?

 

Heh.. I dont think the M17x-R2 supports the intel virtualization *runs for cover*

 

I think they support VT. motherboard and CPU should be ok (all I7 CPUs supporting VT) but they trying to build BIOS for n00bies and the options are not in there

But this is funny that you can but win7 proffesiona, ultimate etc. you are paying for this even you need that technology - but you cannot use it, because some1 forgot to put the option in the BIOS.

 

i think there was a discussion on this in the R2's owner loung or the benchmarking thread but they came to the conclusion the computer should support it but its locked in the bios.

 

Maciejka,

The hardware does support virtualization however the current BIOS does not. I'd recommend sending a PM to nagshead. He is the Alienware quality assurance rep here in the forums. Let him know that you'd like to have the feature enabled in a future bios revision. If enough of us ask it's just a matter of them unhiding the menu options.

 

Will do. thank you very much for help.

 

I believe VM support was supposed to be added to the next BIOS update. I'll ask for confirmation on this tomorrow.

 

FYI

my call logged with Alienware tech support was already forwarded to developer department. Hopfully we will get BIOS update soon.

 

Hello popypopy,
Check out the Windows 7 Compatibility site: (There you will find out about hardware and software compatibilty.)
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/en-us/default.aspx
There is a pulldown from which you can choose "hardware" and "software".

There are also some great articles, instructional videos and such to help with your Windows 7 at our Springboard site:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/default.aspx


Thanks again,
John M.
Microsoft Windows Client Support

 

Just my two cents - but I HATED the virtual XP in Win7. It is just AWFUL compared to premium Virtualisation like VMWARE and free virtualisation like Virtualbox.. They both support many more CPUs (with or without hardware VT) and they both run much better than XPMode, at least for me they do. No sound glitches - full D3D9 support etc... They both have integrated modes too where you can run apps on the guest as if they were on the host.

 

Do these virtual machine programs allow you to install programs through them? I ask because I have a program that doesn't install properly on a x64 system. x86 Vista works fine, but the 64bit, no luck.

 

Virtual machines (whether xp mode, vmware, or virtualbox) allow you to run another OS as though it's another separate machine. the "guest" OS shares resources with the "host" OS. You install and run software just like you would on a real computer. The biggest issues you'll find are trying to run directx type games, but most of those should run under W7 x64, maybe requiring some compatibility settings.

Running XP in virtualbox on my R2 is really fast and doesn't use too much system resources in the process. Only gotcha right now is that you can't install a 64 bit os in any of them because the BIOS doesn't support TXT disable. Hopefully soon....

 

I like to use the VMvare player too. Its free, you can use almos all external devices like USB memory sticks etc.
The only problem will start when you want to create the virtual machine - VMvare workstation is needed and you must buy licence for it (or use trial) . Second problem is that you should have licence for operating system working on virtual machine

My only reason to go with Virtual PC (xp-mode in w7) is that XP is a part of windows 7 proffesional and ultimate and the licence for it is built in (key etc).

I know maybe it is not popular - but I like to use licenced programs on my own PC

For now, because the option is blocked in the BIOS, VMware is the only option to run virtual OS.

We will see if Dell will do sth for us.

 

Yeah, I agree.. What I did was run Virtualbox (Free) and set up a VM. Then went into XP mode - ghosted it, and used that image to restore into Virtualbox.

It's a bit of a hassle but you keep the license and you get way better performance. Also Virtualbox supports all the other OS's etc. I like the idea of VirtualXP mode for the average user it's okay I guess.

If you need better speed and 3D acceleration etc for free- use VirtualBOX with the XP image.