virtualbox.org

Greetings all,

I will start by saying this is the first time I have used VirtualBox and I am having difficulty installing Unbuntu. I have created the virtual drive, and followed all the other instructions for creating and installing an OS. The error message I keep receiving is this:

"This kernel requires an x86-64 CPU but only detected an i686 CPU. Unable to boot, please use a kernel appropriate for your CPU."

I really have no idea what I am doing wrong. I realize this is probably an elementary question as I am very new to this and trying to feel my way along in the dark. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I am running VirtualBox on a Windows 8.1 system with an Intel i5 processor and plenty of RAM, so there should be no issues with my system. Please help, and thanks in advance for any guidance.

KC

1) 64-bit guests need hardware-virtualzation enabled in the hosts bios.
2) when creating the 64-bit guest you must select 64-bit in General -> Basic -> version.
3) If running Windows as host you must make sure hyper-v or xp mode is not enabled on the host. MS does not play well and want it all.

Ok, I get what you are trying to say there, and I appreciate the input, but how do I go about fixing the problem? Thanks. Sorry, but I really need a little more step-by-step directions as I am very new to this Windows 8 OS and all its little quirks.

1) you open the bios settings on the host PC and enable hardware virtualization. See your owners manual on how.
2) there are two choices (versions) for every guest. normal (32-bit) and (64-bit) you must select 64-bit
3) no other virtualizer running like hyper-v. See MS documentation on how to disabel it.

Ok. Thanks very much. I will see what I can do.

OK Perryg,

I managed to crack into the bios, which was surprisingly difficult the way HP had the bios hidden. Anyway, got it sorted out and Ubuntu is installing in the VM as I am typing this. Again, thanks so much for the help!!!

Congrats. Now you see why no one could tell you how to do this. There are simply too many variables.