Is there anyway to run 64-bit guest on a 32-bit Host?

[carwyn]

I have 2 power edge 1950 with ESX3 but i wont let me install a "Windows 2003 enterprise 64-bit" OS

Is there anything I can do make this work. I just want to check a bit software works on 64-bit system. I also tried workstation6 and that complained too.

Is the only way to run 64-bit guest is to have 64-bit host?

Thanks

[vmroyale]

Check out this discussion.

[carwyn]

Thanks does this mean the VT setting on the physical server?

Would this work on a desktop with vmware workstation too?

[vmroyale · Accepted solution]

Yes, the physical server. Will work on a desktop too....

Check the Processor Check for 64-Bit Compatibility for your workstation.

[carwyn]

Thats great thanks, my desktop is not comatible niether are 2 of spare servers here.

One more thing, do you think it will be ok for me to use the Processor Check for 64-Bit Compatibility on a ESX host?

[mcowger]

If your server isn't 64bit, there is 0 chance you will be able to run a 64bit guest.

--Matt

[fusebox]

Yes,there is 0 chance you will be able to run a 64bit OS on 32bit host...VMware cannot emulate a 64bit cpu when it isnt there..Infact,CPU is the only one which is not emulated...The guest os actually accesses cpu directly..Imagine a virtual motherboard with a hole in the place where cpu sits...In that hole,vmware sees the actual cpu/processor and not a virtual cpu.

[Ic3M]

There is one other item to take into account, if using ESX in a cluster in virtual center - ALL hosts must support Intel VT technology (and have it enabled in the BIOS) inorder to create a x64 VM. Otherwise you will get an error stating you can't put a 64bit OS on a 32bit host.

[phamthanhdong]

Here is my result with the checking scrip:

-------------------------------

$ ./VMware-guest64check-5.5.0-18463

This host is capable of running a 64-bit guest operating system under this

VMware product.

-------------------------------

Does it mean just my processors have VT feature or I can run 64-bit guest os now?

[admin]

phamthanhdong wrote:

Here is my result with the checking scrip:

-------------------------------

$ ./VMware-guest64check-5.5.0-18463

This host is capable of running a 64-bit guest operating system under this

VMware product.

-------------------------------

Does it mean just my processors have VT feature or I can run 64-bit guest os now?

It means that you either have a modern AMD processor or an Intel processor with VT-x capability.  If you have an Intel processor, you still have to make sure that VT-x is enabled in the BIOS.

[phamthanhdong]

It is clear, thank you!