Virtualization support in Bios? NP8170 / Eon 17s / P170HM systems

Can anyone tell me definitively if the BIOS has options to enable/disable Intel Virtualization Technology?

I'm currently looking at an Origin EON 17-s (same chassis) and am having a devil of a time getting an answer to this question. As part of my career as an IT administrator I need to be able to run a 64-bit guest operating system along side my Windows install using VMware.

This is kindof my 'deal breaker' question...

My current system can do Intel VT, however tech support, updates, etc. has been lackluster at best and appears to only be getting worse. I'd like to get a high-quality notebook without all of the custom Dell crap that just 'works'.

Any insight is greatly appreciated.

- Denver

 

In actual BIOS this option is not available.

 

Hmm... I wonder if the availability varies by OEM partner (Sager vs. Origin vs. whoever, etc.)?

Hopefully an Origin or Sager owner out there will see this post and chime in as well.

 

But i think Virtualization is enabled by default and you can't disabled it. I have right now installed Windows XP mode under Windows 7 and it runs perfectly. What i know this mode need VT to work properly.

 

LightningPL,

Very interesting... Do you have a few minutes to try something for me?

Can you download and run this utility from Microsoft and let me know the exact message it gives you?

Download details: Microsoft® Hardware-Assisted Virtualization Detection Tool

I hate to bother you but I don't want to make a $5000 mistake....

Thanks,

- Denver

 

It is enabled by default on these machines like LightningPL said.
I'm on a P151HM1 which also has no option in the bios but the feature is definitely enabled as can be seen functioning perfectly in my VMware install.

 

Atmosk,

Have you tried running a 64-bit guest? I have seen some Dell systems work with 32-bit guests and then refuse to run a 64-bit guest.

I apologize for so many questions but given the non-returnability of these things I want to make sure I ask all the right questions. I already have a $5000 Dell/Alienware paperweight and do not want to repeat the experience as you can well imagine.

 

No problem here you are (my notebook configuration in signature) :


It's support VT

 

All my guests are 64-bit actually so you should be good to go, I understand where you're coming from, I like to do my homework before buying too.

 

Denver did you end up getting this machine and testing that 64 bit guests work?

 

cedrickgrommet,

Actually yes... I've had my EON 17s about a month now. I love it!

Virtualization works perfectly. Apparently, as was suggested, Clevo locks the feature to ON at the BIOS level. Origin was fantastic, they even sent me an overclockable version of the BIOS.

All in all, I couldn't have made a better choice for a notebook.

- Denver