Here at Migration Expert Zone, we're big fans of Windows Virtual PC and XP Mode--the Windows 7 virtualization solutions that allow legacy software to run in the new OS.

Just one problem: Not all CPUs support hardware-assisted virtualization, which is necessary to run Virtual PC and XP Mode. ZDNet's Ed Bott offers this explanation:

The problem is that Windows Virtual PC requires hardware-assisted virtualization (Intel VT for Intel CPUs, AMD-V for AMD processors). And the late-2008/early-2009 CPU lineup from Intel was notoriously inconsistent in its support for VT.

That could represent a major headache for IT departments that ordered a bunch of new systems with the expectation of leveraging Windows 7's virtualization options. Or not, if you happen to be a Dell customer. As Bott notes:

Dell's lineup of Intel-powered business PCs specifically identifies them as being VT-capable. The budget Vostro line, for example, includes the latest versions of Intel's E5400, E7500, and Q8200. On Dell's website, the specs explicitly list VT support for all of those CPUs.

Likewise, Dell's low-end Vostro notebooks (with starting prices of $649 or less) include SU3500 and SU7300 processors, both of which include VT support. The lowest of the low-end Vostro notebooks includes a Celeron M 743 processor, which lacks VT support. But it's sold with Ubuntu Linux, not with Windows.

With desktops and laptops from the likes HP and Toshiba, however, it's hard to determine if VT support is there. Consequently, anyone in the market for new systems will want to read Bott's overview of the issue, Will your new Windows 7 PC support XP Mode?

Have you encountered any processor-specific problems with Virtual PC/XP Mode? If so, tell us about them in the comments.

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