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While loading a new 64-bit virtual machine to VMWare Server recently, I received the following error message: “This CPU is VT-capable, but VT is not enabled (check your BIOS settings).” Here is some background and how to resolve this error message:

My work computer is a dual Xeon 5110 Dell Precision 490 workstation that I use as a virtual machine host for testing. I utilize Ubuntu 7.04 Desktop 64-bit as the base operating system, with VMWare Server 1.0.3 serving up my virtual machines. I recently began a load of CentOS 5 x86_64 and received the error message shown above.

Apparently Dell turns off Intel’s Virtualization Technology (VT) by default on the Precision 490 it ships. I am not sure why Dell does not enable this from the factory, but enabling VT for your workstation is an easy fix:

1. Turn on your computer and tap the F2 key repeatedly to enter BIOS
2. Navigate to the Performance section of the BIOS settings
3. Under Virtualization Technology, change the setting to ON
4. Press ESC and choose to Save/Exit the BIOS

Once your host boots up, your virtual machines will now have access to VT functionality.

You can read more about what Intel Virtualization Technology is at the following site: Intel Virtualization Technology Overview.

Filed under: Technology