This depends on the Windows 7 license you are using and your VM CPU settings:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/system-requirements
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PCs with multiple processors (CPUs):
Commercial servers, workstations, and other high-end PCs may have more than one physical processor.Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate allow for two physical processors, providing the best performance on these computers. Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, and Home Premium will recognize only one physical processor.
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In the vmware esxi world, physical processor is the same as "virtual socket" under CPU options when you take "edit settings" on a VM. Try lowering the socket value and increase the core value instead to optimize cpu number depending on your Windows 7 license. See attached image.