Windows XP 4gb RAM limitation

[veil]

Hi,

I recently bought a 4GB RAM. When I open System Properties, Windows can only detect 3GB but my bios detect 4GB. I just wondering is there a way to tweak Windows SP to allow it to see 4GB?

Thanks.

[Raymond]

According to Microsoft's own knowledge base article 929605, all 32-bit versions of Vista support up to 4GB of memory, but the actual usable address space will be less than 4GB. The reason for this is that a section of the memory is set aside for memory map interfaces. This is generally a space that is set aside to ensure driver compatibility and the amount used will vary depending upon the devices installed in the system. Typically, a system with 4GB of RAM will report only 3.5GB of addressable space.

You can check out this knowledge base as well.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605

Oh, and I also read that 64bit Vista can support up to 8GB.

[stuge]

Have you already installed SP1 ?

[chris66]

microsoft...kb.....605 relates to vista..My problem windows xp..started on 1 gb..kingston..updated every month with the same brand to 4 gb..bios shows 4..3 utilities shown3..in repair shop the *technician* declared my one of 4 modules..as defective..it was removed..so 3 gb..utilities show 2??Want to go back to 4 gb..Must there be be a special configuration? to run widows xp under 4 gb?(all service packs are installed) Thank You.

[Lenogris]

is it showing 3 even or is it 3. something because if it was only using the 3 gb then it would show as like 2.6 gb

[chris66]

hi lenogris..thank you for the expl......LOVE You monsters....i am one..for breakfast i eat egs..best way to kill a live

[Raymond]

I am so blind. Didn't read the topic carefully. Duh! Lucky Lenogris is around to help out.

[Lenogris]

W00T go me
"LOVE You monsters....i am one..for breakfast i eat egs..best way to kill a live"
not sure what that means but double woot woot for me
ray you pegged it right here
"typically, a system with 4GB of RAM will report only 3.5GB of addressable space."

[veil]

the systems properties only shows 3GB. and i'm using SP2.
I read those articles about change the PAE mode. some say it would make windows unstable.
just wondering should I change the PAE mode?

Is it running at 4GB when it shows 3GB.
thanks guys.

[Lenogris]

does it show 3GB even or is it like 3.4 or something like that?
as like my computer has 1.5 gb ram but it only shows 1.4