How can I enable Windows XP Pro's support for a Dual core CPU?

[btaki]

I heard that if you were using XP Pro with a Single core and are migrating to a dual core you need to enable support for dual core or reinstall it from scratch. Can someone walk me through the procedure.

Thanks,
Bass.

 

[Maximilian]

No, just plug the chip in and it should work without you doing anything. Even xp home is like this with dual core.

 

[Markbnj]

The only issue you may have is whether your motherboard BIOS correctly supports multicore CPUs. Check that first, and flash if it necessary, before you do the upgrade. When you're ready, shut down windows, replace the CPU, then restart windows. Everything should work fine. Verify by opening Task Manager and clicking the Performance tab. You should see two CPU utilization charts.

 

[Nothinman]

You may need to change your HAL from the UP to SMP, but if you pick the wrong one your installation will stop working completely and a repair reinstall might be required.

 

[shortylickens]

When I first booted up the OS asked me to reboot to enable the multi-processor kernel.
That was it. One reboot and I was set.

 

[Nothinman]

When I first booted up the OS asked me to reboot to enable the multi-processor kernel.
That was it. One reboot and I was set.

With XP? I highly doubt that but I could be wrong since I've never went from UP to SMP with it.

 

[shortylickens]

I dont really feel like an argument but I cant explain it any other way.

I removed the single core CPU (939), installed the multi-core CPU (also a 939) and booted up Win XP pro SP2.
When it came up it had a little message about adding another processor and asked me to reboot.
When I did the cute little blue screen had a notice about multi-processor kernel.

 

[homercles337]

Originally posted by: shortylickens
I dont really feel like an argument but I cant explain it any other way.

I removed the single core CPU (939), installed the multi-core CPU (also a 939) and booted up Win XP pro SP2.
When it came up it had a little message about adding another processor and asked me to reboot.
When I did the cute little blue screen had a notice about multi-processor kernel.

I didnt even get that when i upgraded. I booted and saw the "dual core" message on the post screen. Windows loaded no problems and dual core was working fine.

 

[nova2]

haha, i didn't take the chance, i manaully changed it via device manager myself before taking out the single core CPU. worked fine.

 

[btaki]

Thanks Guys, I do have support for dual core (checked in task manager).