Problems updating to a dual-core CPU? Not anymore!

Those that wish to upgrade an existing system by plugging in a dual core processor might encounter problems. A Windows install sometimes does not recognize the second core of the processor, and the solution up till now was to completely reinstall the operating system.

The problems occured in the HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer), the part of the OS that communicates directly with the processor(s). In Windows there are several HAL's available, both for single and dual core processors, and normally it is not possible to change the HAL after an installation.

Hardware.Info forum member Chr0nicles has written a usefull utility that can change the HAL in an existing Windows installation. HALu (HAL Updater) allows you to select the type of processor with one simple mouseclick. People that upgrade to a dual core can now change the HAL from "ACPI Uniprocessor" to "ACPI Multiprocessor", and after a restart Windows will recognize the second core without any problems. No more need for a reinstall of the operating system!

Click here to download HALu version 0.2.0

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