1.4 Setting Up a 32-Bit Domain 0 on a 64-Bit Hypervisor

A virtual machine host running on a 64-bit platform can access much more memory than one running on a 32-bit platform. However, there might be circumstances where you want to run the 32-bit version of the SUSEĀ® Linux operating system (as domain 0) on the 64-bit Xen hypervisor.

  1. On 64-bit hardware, start the 32-bit SUSE Linux operating system installation program.

  2. On the Installation Settings screen, edit the Software category so it includes the Xen Virtual Machine Host Server software package selection.

  3. On the Software > Software Selection and System Tasks screen, click Details to view all packages.

  4. In the Filter drop-down list, select Search, then search for kernel-xen. Make sure that kernel-xenpae is selected for installation and that kernel-xen is not selected.

  5. Complete the SUSE Linux installation program.

    The installation program copies files, reboots, and prompts you for additional setup information.

  6. After entering the additional setup information, log in to the computer.

  7. Access the SUSE Linux installation source media.

    The 64-bit Xen hypervisor RPM is included in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the SUSE Linux installation media.

  8. On the SUSE Linux installation source media, find the x86_64 directory that contains xen.rpm.

  9. Use the following command to install the RPM:

    rpm -U xen.rpm --ignorearch --force
    
  10. Edit the GRUB boot loader settings by running YaST > System > Boot Loader or editing the file at /boot/grub/menu.lst.

  11. Change Hypervisor to /boot/xen.gz.

    The xen.gz hypervisor is the 64-bit hypervisor.

  12. Reboot the computer.

  13. During the boot process, select the Xen option from the GRUB boot loader.

  14. Verify that the computer is running the 32-bit Domain 0 by entering:

    uname -m
    

    It should report a 32-bit machine name, such as i686.

  15. Verify that the computer is running the 64-bit hypervisor by entering:

    xm info | grep xen_caps
    

    It should report a 64-bit Xen hypervisor, such as xen-3.0-x86_64.