MCE 2005 really doesn't support HT?

[ahmedramzi]

I've recently installed Windows XP MCE 2005, when i realized a huge decrease in my system performance. I've started investigating and found that the performance tab on the windows Task Manager shows only one CPU, though it's supposed to show two as I have a HT CPU!

Also when I opened the device manager, I looked for "Processors" item that's supposed to show that I have two processors, well, I didn't even find "Processors"!

I've tried the OS on another machine, and it game me the same results.

Does anyone had the same problem?

[Saraband]

no problem with mce 2k5 on 2 systems i have with ht intels. mce 2005 is just xp pro+sp2 with extras. when you install, press f5 instead of f6, then choose your cpu/machine setup.

[Saraband]

from eldergeek>>>

The Role of the F5 Key and Shutdown Problems

When I first put this page together I meant to include this information. Unfortunately it totally slipped my mind. One of the hazards of being an Elder(ly) Geek, but better late than never. Thanks to reader Glen M. for jogging my memory.

When XP is first installed it tries to determine what type of BIOS is available on the computer. Newer systems have what is known as Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) capability. Unfortunately, XP doesn't always recognize a computer BIOS is ACPI capable and doesn't install the support for ACPI. Even more unfortunate is the fact that if ACPI support isn't determined at the initial install it's virtually impossible to correct this at a later time short of reinstalling XP over the top of the previous XP installation. To do so requires changing the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL). The chances of successfully changing a HAL after XP has been installed is pretty close to zilch.

Once you drop the CD in the tray and fire up the computer to install XP, the first thing you'll see at the bottom of the screen is the option to press F6 if you need to install a SCSI or RAID controller. Don't press F6. Press F5 instead. This will take you to a separate menu of Hardware Abstraction Layer's where you can choose an appropriate HAL that supports ACPI. The choices will be:

ACPI Multiprocessor PC

ACPI Uniprocessor PC

Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) PC

Compaq SystemPro Multiprocessor or 100% Compatible PC

MPS Uniprocessor PC

MPS Multiprocessor PC

Standard PC

Standard PC with C-Step i486

Other

In the majority of installations the 'Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) PC' HAL is the one you will want to use. A few cautions are also in order:

Obtain and install the latest BIOS for your motherboard before you begin the XP installation.

Equally as important as using the proper HAL on ACPI capable systems, is NOT using it on systems that are not ACPI compatible. The install may complete but the system will almost surely fail to start when it reboots.

There are situations where it is definitely not desirable to use an ACPI HAL even if it is supported by the BIOS. This predominately applies to servers, but to ensure that an ACPI HAL will not be used or automatically detected and used, press F7 instead of F5 as discussed previously.

Considering the number of problems that users have with systems not shutting down completely I wonder why this feature is not prominently mentioned and documented. It could save many headaches, but now you know. A good piece of knowledge to have tucked away for your next XP install.

As a final note, to determine if your computer was detected as being ACPI enabled:

Right click My Computer then click Properties > Hardware > Device Manager.

Expand the entry called Computer.

If the entry is 'Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) PC' you're all set. If it says 'Standard PC' the computer BIOS was not detected as being ACPI capable.

[ahmedramzi]

well, in my case it says: ACPI Multiprocessor PC(when Using winXP Pro SP2)

both computers have the same motherboard (Gigabyte 8iKNXP), i never had this probelm before on any OS except for WinXP MCE 2005! and that was my question.

Anyway, thank you very much about your instructions, and I'll try & tell you the results