Windows 7: Virtual machine to try out Excel 64-bit

I am running Windows 7 Pro 64-bit 16GB RAM with Office 32-bit. I'm working with some very large excel documents and it has bene suggested trying out the 64-bit version of Excel on a VM. Is it as straight forward as following the directions in the tutorial installing another 64-bit Windows 7 Pro OS and then just install the Office 64-bit?

Windows Virtual PC - Create Virtual Machine

Just want to be sure it's not more complicated before I start!



Thanks for any advice

Mike

Yes it really is as simple as that.

I test and run everything in virtual machines these days. No more dual boots for me in years.

Has thrown an error saying "attempting to load a 64-bit application however this CPU is not compatible with 64- bit mode". I definately chose the 64-bit pro download option.

Thanks

Mike

Are you certain you installed the 64bit version of Windows in your VM? Sounds like you have a 32bit OS installed in the VM.

Have you checked to see whether hardware virtualization is enabled in your BIOS settings?

You should also check with the CPU manufacturer to see whether your CPU is good for hardware virtualization as well.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/vir...gure-bios.aspx

http://ark.intel.com/VTList.aspx

So Detection tool says I'm good for visualization

BIOS I found a setting "Intel virtualiszation Technology" was Enabled

I'm assuming as I have a 64-bit OS I would have got an error if I had downloaded the wrong VM software install.

I have bene able to successfulyl install the VM. I only own 64-bit OS discs and used the Dell Reinstallation disc and a 64-bit Windows 7 Pro Upgrade dic both with the same result. I click open on the VM with the disc in the CD Drive, I get Windows loading files and then that error.

Shoudl I uninstall the VM softweare and try again? If so how do you do that?

Tried uninstalling and got exactly the same problem. Can anyone help please? This is what I get after I "open" the virtual pc and windows loads the files.

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the causse.

File \windwos\system32\boot\winload.exe

Status: 0xc000035a

Attempting to load a 64-bit application however this CPU is not compatible with 64-bit mode

I am runnnig 64-bit Windows 7 on the pc.

Microsofts Virtual PC does not support running a 64bit Guest OS. You will need to download a different virtualization program. Vmware Player is one that I've seen recommended.

Hardware virtualization is required and enabled but your good there going by post #6.

Dumb question but presumably I need a 64 bit OS to run 64bit office? Will try the other one thanks.

Not a dumb question. Yes, you need to run a 64bit operating system with the 64bit version of Office installed onto it.