See my post on Experts-Exchange.

I need to be able to run x64 Server operating systems in a virutal machine on my desktop comptuer. Can anyone out there help?

Here are the specs of my PC:
Dell Optiplex 755
Intel E8500 Processor (3.16GHz, 6M, VT, 1333MHz FSB)
8GB of RAM
Host OS: Currently Running Vista Business x64

Needs:
I would like to run virtual machines on my PC for testing server configurations and troubleshooting issues. Vista, Xp, Server 2003, SBS 2003, and Server 2008. In addition (and what is giving me problems), I would like to run SBS 2008 which is an x64 OS. I only need these loaded for testing purposes – this is not for a production environment. Also, I need the ability to use internal VM networks so that SBS does not see other DNS and DHCP servers on my internal network.

What I’ve tried:
Everything I can think of. VirtualBox (x64 edition), Windows Virtual Server 2005 R2 (x64) w/ KB948415 applied, VMware Server 2. I’ve tried Google searches for each, but cannot seem to find the relevant information needed to fix this problem.

Each time when I boot a VM with SBS 2008 CD1.ISO – I get the error “Attempting to load a 64-bit application, however this CPU is not compatible with 64-bit mode.”

The Microsoft FAQ about Virtual Server 2005 R2 lists SBS 2008 as a compatible guest when the KB948415 update is installed.

When using VirtualBox, I had Windows server 2008 x64 selected as the gust OS type.

I *think* I had the options set correctly in VMware – but of the three, it seemed the most complex.

I receive the same error above when I try to boot Win 2K8 x64 edition.

I receive the following error when I try to boot Win 2K3 x64:
“Attempting to load a x64 operating system, however this CPU is not compatible with x64 mode. Please install a 32 Bit x86 operating system. Setup cannot continue. Press Any key to exit.”

.. I don’t see an “any key” on my keybpoard… just kidding.

For each of these tests, I had the appropriate OS set in the VM Properties… Win 2K8 x64, and Win 2K3 x64.

Here are the settings of my VM in Vmware Server:
Processors: 1
Memory: 3gb
HDD: 50GB
Network: Host only
CD: <my iso file>
SCSI Controller 0: LSI Logic SAS
Virtual Hardware Version: 7
Disable Acceleration: not checked
Support VMI Paravirtualization: Grey’d out.
Virtualized CPU: Allow the Host to Dermine Automaticlly
Configuration Parameters: Whatever was setup by default… Perhaps there is a setting I could add here? I don’t see any for the CPU or anything that references x64.

So, what would you recommend or have you used to acheive what I am trying to do?