What's the status on virtualization?

I read that Sony released a note saying they would enable virtualization on a "few" models. I'm thinking of purchasing an FW... anyone know if it will come with virtualization enabled, if I order it now?

Thanks,
Mike

 

i ran intel processor identification tool on my sony vaio fz after clean instal of windows 7.it says i have intel visrtualization enable.

i can run vm ware on it comfortably.

 

That's great to hear. When did you purchase your fz? I'm interested in the fw myself.

Can you run XP-compatibility-mode in Windows 7? That's what I'm really interested in.

Thanks,
Mike

 

i use that VMware app,its better i find.i bought my vaio fz long ago.almost 2 and half yrs now.

 

Well I'm referring to the issue in which users cannot run Windows XP compatibility mode in Windows 7, because that requires hardware virtualization, which has been disabled on all or nearly all Sony laptops for their entire existence. Only recently has Sony acknowledged that was a bad idea and that they will start shipping "select models" with virtualization enabled. I want to find out if the fw is one of those models.

Thanks,
Mike

 

Intel's tool only says whether the CPU supports it. Not whether the BIOS allows it to be used.

Unless you can run a 64-bit OS under VMware, that says absolutely nothing.
VMware has always allowed 32-bit OSes to run without VT.

For a tool that really tells you, try http://www.grc.com/files/securable.exe

If you run it, and "Hardware Virtualization" says "Locked ON", you have working VT support. Otherwise, no. ("Yes" only means that the hardware supports it, not that it's enabled.)

That said, the FW is not one of the models that Sony has planned to support VT on. Quoting from an alleged e-mail from a Sony representative, posted to http://blog.durdle.com/archives/2009/07/30/enable-vt-on-sony-vaio-z11/ :

 

arth1, do you know if there is a hack to enable VT on the FW models?

 

The good doctor is in the house!!! Hello my friend.

You have it, but I doubt if VT is enabled. In fact I am pretty sure it is not. VM Ware will run without it being enabled. But it can be enabled. See my signature line for a link to a thread here about the topic. My link takes you directly to a table I have been maintaing with Vaio model, BIOS versions and register numbers. At the top of the thread is a detailed discussion of the steps to accomplish this.

Gary