XP Seeing Dual Cores

[GrumpyMan]

I just got a Core 2 Duo from corporate as an upgrade. When I go to Task Manager it only shows a 1 cpu graph, even though 1 for each core is selected. In the processors area in Device Manager is does show 2 cpus in there. I suspect that they just imaged XP on the new hard drive not realizing that the HAL would need to be changed from a single to a multi-processor ACPI. Is this anything to worry about? I want the full usage of both cores. Is there an easy way to change the HAL without having to reload XP?
I've been reading about some kind of patch for XP, but I thought that was for AMD cpu's.

This would be better served in the OS forum. I'll move it for you free of charge.

esquared
Anandtech Senior Moderator

 

[EagleKeeper]

People in OS may provide a safer answer

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: GrumpyMan
I just got a Core 2 Duo from corporate as an upgrade. When I go to Task Manager it only shows a 1 cpu graph, even though 1 for each core is selected. In the processors area in Device Manager is does show 2 cpus in there. I suspect that they just imaged XP on the new hard drive not realizing that the HAL would need to be changed from a single to a multi-processor ACPI. Is this anything to worry about? I want the full usage of both cores. Is there an easy way to change the HAL without having to reload XP?
I've been reading about some kind of patch for XP, but I thought that was for AMD cpu's.

This would be better served in the OS forum. I'll move it for you free of charge.

esquared
Anandtech Senior Moderator

If you have access to that image and can reload it in case it doesnt work, I'd say you can give two things a try:

Delete the HAL under "computer" in device manager, reboot, and pray it loads far enough to detect one that does support multicore and install it.

Or probably a better idea - manually update the driver to the multiprocessor version, then reboot. Since it wont change it in realtime, it should load the new one properly upon reboot...hopefully.

But seriously...dont even try it unless you have a backup, there is a very, very good chance it wont work, and not working in this case most likely means "BSOD on load, can't even get into safe mode, have to explain to corporate IT that you didnt touch anything, you swear" kind of not working.

 

[GrumpyMan]

Thanks for moving this thread moderator man.

If I had the install image on disk it would be easier but they loaded all this stuff at corporate in another state. And being a Dell you can't even get into the BIOS. I'll see what corporate says about it. You would think that those smart guys in corporate would read something about going from single to dual cores on the same OS image. That the correct HAL would not be installed. I don't think I'm going to delete the HAL for fear that I might screw up the only machine that has this software my company needs and I'm the only one with it. This software uses an I-Ram disk so it can fly and we currently don't have another machine yet with an I-Ram drive that I need. Thanks for the suggestions though.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Check the next-to-last post, about modifying the boot.ini line to specify the HAL and kernel.

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...AR_FORUMVIEWTMP=Linear

 

[GrumpyMan]

Originally posted by: VirtualLarry
Check the next-to-last post, about modifying the boot.ini line to specify the HAL and kernel.

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...AR_FORUMVIEWTMP=Linear

Thanks, will do. :thumbsup: