Intel VT-x Not Supported Error

I encountered this error the other day after a motherboard replacement in a Dell PowerEdge Server:

“This virtual machine is configured for 64-bit guest operating systems. However, 64-bit operation is not possible.  This host does not support Intel VT-x.”

All of the the Virtual Machines turned on just not this particular VM.

After comparing the settings of a working VM against the VM not turning on I realized that the working VM(s) were all running 32-bit operating systems and the one not working is a 64-bit machine.

The Intel VT-x error is referring to the setting “Virtualization Technology” setting found in the BIOS.

1. I turned off the machines and put the host in Maintenance Mode. Then rebooted the machine into the System BIOS and enabled Virtualization Technology option.
2. Saved the settings and rebooted the host.
3. Success! The 64-Bit machine turned back on.

I’ll remember this one for the next motherboard that is changed!

Here are pictures of the settings changed:

Navigate to Processor Settings and press Enter

Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Virtualization Technology option and use the SPACE, +, or – keys to adjust the setting to Enabled

Note: Execute Enabled should be Enabled too.