Windows 7 - 'Upgrading' CPU to enable virtualization

Well, I did search the forum for some other posts on this, but some say also replacing the mobo's necessary, other posts don't say that.

I've got a yr old Pavilion with Intel Core2 Duo CPU P7350@2GHz 2 Core Logical Processor(s). Intel's website doesn't quite list this anywhere on their website, instead it lists one as Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor P7350 (3M Cache, 2.00 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB) which of course is NOT capable of virtualization (which's a prime reason I installed Windows 7).

As for "processors", I thought I did my homework, because I thought 'the processor' was the CPU (and I'm guessing most laptops and desktops have only one CPU, no, or am I off on a tangent)?

'Neverthemore', does anyone know if it's feasible to simply upgrade the 'processor(s)' to one that's capable of virtualization?

FYIO - The machine was running Vista (until clean installing Windows 7 Pro's System Builders Pack, again 32-bit).

Lastly, since the HP laptop's latest current BIOS is their F55 and doesn't list a 'configuration' setting for "enable virtualization", apparently another BIOS would be in order, once the 'processor(s)' is upgraded, so dose any know if the BIOS must be an HP one and/or how one gets a BIOS that affords the "enable virtualization' setting?

are you truly stuck on xp mode or can you roll with virtualbox? might be a worthwhile replacement for xp mode and you won't have to fork out any money for a new processor (and motherboard).

Wow, I can't imaging you trying to upgrade the CPU in a HP laptop... Even if you could mechanically pull it off the odds of the bios supporting is almost nil. You could attempt to discuss it with HP but I think their tech support folks would laugh you off the phone.

No disrespect intended, sell the laptop...

Processor = CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Upgrading the processor on a laptop is next to impossible. Even then, not all motherboards support all processors. If the processor is not supported by the current motherboard, then you will have to change the motherboard also (its better to get a new laptop that supports virtualization)

Upgrading the CPU in a laptop or notebook is sometimes no big deal. I've upgraded the CPU's in a Sony VAIO SR240 and SR290. I had to remove a dozen or so small screws to get the back cover off, and then another six screws to remove/replace the CPU.

I have no idea how difficult it might be in your HP though. And, you have to consider whether or not the BIOS will support the CPU you are upgrading to.

Try googling something like "HP Pavilion your model number CPU upgrade" and see what pops up...

If you want, you can see my "how-to" on the VAIO CPU upgrade here:
https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=...ZTBmOGZj&hl=en

I would seriously instead look at VMWare Player 3.0 (which can convert that XP Mode no problem) or Sun Virtualbox. Both products provide far superior performance and do not require hardware assisted virtualization.

I likie. Had no idea software like that was available.

And open source no less, ref...

VirtualBox Software Informer: Latest version download, news and info about this Sun Microsystems program. Maintains a virtual instance of an operating system within the host OS.

First thing I noticed about VB, I believe I read it was a product of FreeBSD and unfam with that, Googling (FreeBSD) almost led me to think that VB might be a server based program, and I keep seeing it 's mentions of running VB as a guest. Hmm.

Skimming more, tells me that VB's install and setup seems like quite a
chore (not sure what's more work, the hardware or software approach).

And from what little I gleaned from the VB manual, apparently VB is simply a partitioner and console for installing* (nail biting here) and running one platform on top of another?

It looks I'd have to pick up* (more nail biting) a CD for (eg; XP Pro) and install that on Windows 7?

Sure hope I'm wrong there as for an 'advanced novice', it'll be like 'pulling teeth' to, I guess, install VB & XP 'on a separate partition'?

Again, many thanks.