I got a big problem here, the Windows 7 x64 OS isn't recognizing the 8GB RAM that I have installed. I'm stuck on 3.49GB RAM as if it is a 32-bit system.

 

 

Both Memtest86+ and Windows XP x64 is recognizing the 8GB RAM, but somehow not Windows 7 x64. This looks like an OS issue rather than a hardware issue. (RAM is tested and it is working) I heard about a BIOS fix but i couldn't find any more information.

The BIOS fix you are thinking of is likely a "Memory Remapping" setting.

 

Although it is from an older article now, I suggest you take a run through of the following (taken from here )

 

Memory has been reserved by Hardware

· Memory can be reserved by video cards and other devices; this is listed as Hardware Reserved. The amount of Hardware Reserved RAM is listed on the Memory Tab of the Resource Monitor.

System Configuration settings may be incorrect

· If you upgraded a 64-bit version of Windows it’s possible that the Maximum memory setting was enabled on your system and was transferred to the upgraded version. This setting sets the maximum memory to 4GB or below. You can disable this setting by clicking on Start, and typing msconfig in the Search programs and files box, and then click msconfig from the Programs list. In the System Configuration window click the Boot tab, click Advanced options…, and uncheck Maximum memory:, click OK, close the System Configuration window, close all other applications and then reboot your computer.

Your system BIOS may be out dated

· Your system BIOS may not have been updated, if you have an older computer, your system may not be unable to access all of the installed RAM. Update your BIOS to the latest version by either browsing the web site of your computer manufacturer or contact the computer manufacturer for assistance and download any available BIOS updates for your computer.

BIOS settings may be incorrect

· Check your BIOS settings to see if memory remapping has been enabled, memory remapping gives Windows access to more memory. You can enable the memory remapping feature in your BIOS by booting to the system setup. See the Users Guide for your computer for instructions on how to boot to Setup on your computer. The name for the memory remapping feature may be different for different hardware vendors. This can be listed as memory remapping, memory extension or other similar descriptions.

· Check your BIOS settings to see how much memory you may have allocated to AGP video aperture? This is memory that your SYSTEM is sharing with your video card that is used for texture mapping and rendering. This memory would not be utilized by your system, as it is locked by your video card. You can adjust your AGP video aperture size in the BIOS, standard settings are 32Mb, 64Mb, 128MB, Auto. For troubleshooting purposes you can adjust this setting in the BIOS, and then reboot your computer and then check the amount of usable memory. Test each setting to see which offers the best results.

There may also be issues with the physical RAM installed in your computer

You may have bad memory modules

The physical memory modules installed in your computer can be bad. You can test this by shutting down and unplugging the computer, swapping the order of the memory and then rebooting the computer.

Memory Arrangement:

· Check your users guide to see what order your memory modules should be inserted into the memory slots, some systems require using specific slots when not using all available slots. (Example: some systems that have 4 slots available require you to use slots 1 and 3 instead of 1 and 2 when only using 2 memory modules)

Memory Standoff Cards:

· Are you using memory standoff cards, (a card inserted into the memory slot that holds multiple memory modules)? This allows you to utilize more memory modules than the system was originally designed for. Some systems may require specific configurations for this scenario.

Many thanks! It looks like it had something to do with the System Configuration, (msconfig) the Maximum memory box was checked for some reason. Once I unchecked it the problem is gone.

Many thanks! It looks like it had something to do with the System Configuration, (msconfig) the Maximum memory box was checked for some reason. Once I unchecked it the problem is gone.

 

Great!

 

Always good to help a fellow Iain...

 

: :Peace: