Unable to Create Win7 x64 Guest

[Tumbler]

I an not provided with an option to create a guest for Win7 x64 even though the processor in my workstation supports and is running a 64 bit OS. I have created the base VM and attempted to install Win7 using a known good mounted ISO. Each time I have tried, I get the attached error. I am currently using Virtualbox v4.3.6 r91406.

Any ideas?

Here are the specs on my workstation
Make: HP Compaq
Model: Elite 8000
CPU:Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 (3.00GHz)
RAM: 8GB
OS: Win7 x64

[Perryg]

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 wants it all.

[Tumbler]

I have checked the BIOS settings and cannot find anything for hardware virtualization (VT-x). I was hoping it may be a setting that is handled dynamically. I found a BIOS update that was two years newer than what I was running. So, I flashed the BIOS hoping to gain more functionality. No luck.
I am not running Hyper-V or any other VM software.I have successfully create 32 bit VMs but, I need to create a Win7 x64 VM for testing purposes so that I don't have to reimage a physical device every time something blows up.
When creating a VM, I do not have the option for a 64 bit guest. I am assuming this is because of the motherboard/BIOS?
I wanted to check out and/or provide the log file in case it would help however, I don't see the VirtualBox has created one.

Please forgive me, I have used virtualization software only lightly up to this point so, this somewhat of learning curve for me.

[Perryg]

According to Intel your CPU supports VT-x
http://ark.intel.com/products/33910

You need to find it in the bios where every it is and enable it to be able to run 64-bit guests, and Win-8 32 guests ( which require VT-x anyway )

[Tumbler]

Before creating this thread, I looked up as much info as I could in the time that I had. I found the same thing you did stating that the processor supports VT-x. However, I saw one article stating that there maybe a limitation to the motherboard that would prevent one from leveraging the full functionality of the CPU. Given that I am not very familiar with virtualization, I thought it best to inquire with the group here.

[Perryg]

It is possible that the mother board bios does not support VT-x although that is rare if it supports the actual CPU. You would need to check with the motherboard Mfg. to see if that is the case.

[Tumbler]

I was thinking that as well. It does not make sense to pair a CPU and motherboard that way. I guess I was looking for a sounding board to verify my thoughts since, I am not all that familiar with VirtualBox. I guess I will keep poking at it.

Thanks for the abundant information and quick responses!