Comments on: 32-Bit Vista Memory Limits http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/ Windows Vista and Windows 7 Help Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:12:38 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Wim Bervoets http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-94027 Wim Bervoets Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:06:12 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-94027 If you can't find your bios update at the manufacturer site, a good place to start is http://www.wimsbios.com/biosupdates.jsp. You should be able to find a bios update via the manufacturer links. Wim If you can’t find your bios update at the manufacturer site, a good place to start is http://www.wimsbios.com/biosupdates.jsp. You should be able to find a bios update via the manufacturer links.

Wim

]]> By: Tony http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-94005 Tony Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:03:59 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-94005 Vista and 7 support PAE. Applications have to be written specifically to page memory in and out of the PAE-extended memory, however. Apps just don't take advantage of it. Here's the thing--when a 32-bit app is compiled, it uses 32-bit values to identify memory locations. So, it'll be limited to the first 4GB of addressable memory. For a 32-bit app to use more than 4GB via PAE, it has to specifically say something like, "Access memory at location 0x329034 in PAE memory page 0x01." For a while, some enterprise server applications (such as Microsoft SQL Server) took advantage of PAE, but once 64-bit OSs were released, developers just started developing for the 64-bit platform. So, Vista and 7 support PAE, but it doesn't really win you anything. Vista and 7 support PAE. Applications have to be written specifically to page memory in and out of the PAE-extended memory, however. Apps just don’t take advantage of it.

Here’s the thing–when a 32-bit app is compiled, it uses 32-bit values to identify memory locations. So, it’ll be limited to the first 4GB of addressable memory. For a 32-bit app to use more than 4GB via PAE, it has to specifically say something like, “Access memory at location 0×329034 in PAE memory page 0×01.”

For a while, some enterprise server applications (such as Microsoft SQL Server) took advantage of PAE, but once 64-bit OSs were released, developers just started developing for the 64-bit platform.

So, Vista and 7 support PAE, but it doesn’t really win you anything.

]]> By: Tony http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-94004 Tony Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:44:07 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-94004 The latest Vista service pack shows you the amount of physical memory installed rather than the amount that is usable. Basically, it's lieing to you. You don't have any more usable memory than you did before. The latest Vista service pack shows you the amount of physical memory installed rather than the amount that is usable. Basically, it’s lieing to you. You don’t have any more usable memory than you did before.

]]> By: Tony http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-94003 Tony Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:42:51 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-94003 If you're getting popups and you can't install updates, that's a good sign that you have malware (such as spyware or adware). It's not uncommon for it to defeat anti-malware like your McAfee. Sometimes, malware can be removed with anti-malware, and other times it's very persistent. If I were you, I'd copy all my files to an external drive (or consider using an online backup service if you don't have an external drive). Then, I'd re-install Windows (or better yet, install Windows 7). If you’re getting popups and you can’t install updates, that’s a good sign that you have malware (such as spyware or adware). It’s not uncommon for it to defeat anti-malware like your McAfee.

Sometimes, malware can be removed with anti-malware, and other times it’s very persistent. If I were you, I’d copy all my files to an external drive (or consider using an online backup service if you don’t have an external drive). Then, I’d re-install Windows (or better yet, install Windows 7).

]]> By: Tony http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-94002 Tony Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:38:46 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-94002 It's true that using a memory card with less memory will leave more for the OS to use (assuming you have 4GB of RAM in a 32-bit OS). It doesn't mean performance will be terrible, though. 3D games and such might be awful, but standard Windows apps like IE, Firefox, Office, etc., will work just fine. It’s true that using a memory card with less memory will leave more for the OS to use (assuming you have 4GB of RAM in a 32-bit OS). It doesn’t mean performance will be terrible, though. 3D games and such might be awful, but standard Windows apps like IE, Firefox, Office, etc., will work just fine.

]]> By: Tony http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-94001 Tony Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:28:33 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-94001 Both Linux and Windows have similar PAE capabilities (and limitations) Both Linux and Windows have similar PAE capabilities (and limitations)

]]> By: Tony http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-94000 Tony Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:27:48 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-94000 Windows might display the amount of physical RAM installed, but 32-bit operating systems are limited to 4GB of addressable memory. So, if you have 8GB installed in your computer, more than half of it is being wasted. Windows might display the amount of physical RAM installed, but 32-bit operating systems are limited to 4GB of addressable memory. So, if you have 8GB installed in your computer, more than half of it is being wasted.

]]> By: Tony http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-93999 Tony Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:26:00 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-93999 This is because Service Pack 2 displays the amount of physical memory installed rather than the amount of usable memory. Your usable memory is still 3.3GB. This is because Service Pack 2 displays the amount of physical memory installed rather than the amount of usable memory. Your usable memory is still 3.3GB.

]]> By: Tony http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-93998 Tony Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:25:00 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-93998 Sounds like you're using the 32-bit version. Do this: Click Start, right-click Computer, and then click Properties. Check the System Type. It should read, "64-bit Operating System" (directly below the amount of memory). If you really are using a 64-bit OS, double-check that you have the memory you think you do. If you do, try and upgrade your BIOS. Sounds like you’re using the 32-bit version. Do this: Click Start, right-click Computer, and then click Properties. Check the System Type. It should read, “64-bit Operating System” (directly below the amount of memory).

If you really are using a 64-bit OS, double-check that you have the memory you think you do. If you do, try and upgrade your BIOS.

]]> By: Tony http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-93997 Tony Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:22:11 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-93997 In that configuration, the OS wouldn't boot. You'd need to use a 64-bit OS. In that configuration, the OS wouldn’t boot. You’d need to use a 64-bit OS.

]]> By: David Spicer http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-93992 David Spicer Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:18:45 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-93992 ok so if you're running a 32-bit OS and you install say... 8 gb of ram, have 2x2gb video cards... then how much ram would your OS "see"? ok so if you’re running a 32-bit OS and you install say… 8 gb of ram, have 2×2gb video cards… then how much ram would your OS “see”?

]]> By: Gluttony http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-93990 Gluttony Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:08:56 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-93990 Please ca anyone help me? i just purchase a new pc and i can`t use my 16Gigs of ram even with Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bits. It`s showing only 3.50 (usable). Please ca anyone help me? i just purchase a new pc and i can`t
use my 16Gigs of ram even with Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bits. It`s showing only 3.50 (usable).

]]> By: 4g63t http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-93672 4g63t Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:20:54 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-93672 Im running quad core and vista ultimate 32bit. after service pack 2 install and all upgrades my system sees 4gb. before would just be 3.3gb. try it out by doing a full update Im running quad core and vista ultimate 32bit. after service pack 2 install and all upgrades my system sees 4gb. before would just be 3.3gb. try it out by doing a full update

]]> By: RG http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-92670 RG Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:15:20 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-92670 Just finished computer for parents and brothers. Installed Vista Ultimate 32 bit with 8 gigs of RAM. Went to computer properties and all 8 gigs are showing. Did no tweaking. I looked immediately after installation. Just finished computer for parents and brothers. Installed Vista Ultimate 32 bit with 8 gigs of RAM. Went to computer properties and all 8 gigs are showing. Did no tweaking. I looked immediately after installation.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-92504 Ryan Sun, 27 Dec 2009 06:32:10 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-92504 sure is funny that win 32 bit cannot access more than 4 gigs but linux 32 bit can access more with a couple of tweaks sure is funny that win 32 bit cannot access more than 4 gigs but linux 32 bit can access more with a couple of tweaks

]]> By: KP: http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-88157 KP: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:06:25 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-88157 Want 4GB from Vista or XP? Get rid of the high performance video card (which is memory-mapped for speed), and get a cheap, slow, low-res VGA card. Presto! 4GB memory available. And what will you do with it? Write letters in plain text using a DOS text editor? Want 4GB from Vista or XP? Get rid of the high performance video card (which is memory-mapped for speed), and get a cheap, slow, low-res VGA card. Presto! 4GB memory available. And what will you do with it? Write letters in plain text using a DOS text editor?

]]> By: ssss http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-83427 ssss Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:54:07 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-83427 This is my Pc: Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 531 with HT technology (3.00GHz, 800MHz, 1MB) English Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Basic 512MB DDR2 533MHz Memory(Qty :2) = 1GB Memory 256MB nVidia® GeForce® 7300 Turbocache graphics card 250GB (7200rpm) Serial ATA Hard Drive with 8MB DataBurst™ cache It is very slow and all I get is pop-ups. I have MacFee as well. There is 42 updates needed to be installed, but windows dont let me do it. I went on Microsofts website, to help me. I do what they say to do but it still dont let me install the updates. I need HELP ASAP. Also do I need more Memory to run vista, people are saying 4GB is the best?? Thanks. This is my Pc:

Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 531 with HT technology (3.00GHz, 800MHz, 1MB)

English Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Basic

512MB DDR2 533MHz Memory(Qty :2) = 1GB Memory

256MB nVidia® GeForce® 7300 Turbocache graphics card

250GB (7200rpm) Serial ATA Hard Drive with 8MB DataBurst™ cache

It is very slow and all I get is pop-ups. I have MacFee as well. There is 42 updates needed to be installed, but windows dont let me do it. I went on Microsofts website, to help me. I do what they say to do but it still dont let me install the updates. I need HELP ASAP.

Also do I need more Memory to run vista, people are saying 4GB is the best??

Thanks.

]]> By: PC builder Jay http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-78414 PC builder Jay Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:12:08 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-78414 Heres a solution- DUAL BOOT- use a small HDD or small partion and stick a 32bit vista or xp on it. I heard two versions of vista butt heads more than xp with vista plus xp is alot smaller with simular performance. Use one of the many boot loaders and git er done. Then on with the gaming. I had this problem just because i wanted to use the seirra game Phantasmagoria. I remembered it from win 95 and knew my Girl would love it. Anyway it wont run on my 64 bit vista ultimate. Heres a solution- DUAL BOOT- use a small HDD or small partion and stick a 32bit vista or xp on it. I heard two versions of vista butt heads more than xp with vista plus xp is alot smaller with simular performance. Use one of the many boot loaders and git er done. Then on with the gaming. I had this problem just because i wanted to use the seirra game Phantasmagoria. I remembered it from win 95 and knew my Girl would love it. Anyway it wont run on my 64 bit vista ultimate.

]]> By: Luis Tibayan http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-69872 Luis Tibayan Tue, 07 Apr 2009 06:35:41 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-69872 My Sony Vaio VGN-CR353 Vista Home Premium 32 bit w/c only shows 3GB of RAM which in fact has 4GB RAM now shows 4GB, after installing all the updates from Windows Update. My Sony Vaio VGN-CR353 Vista Home Premium 32 bit w/c only shows 3GB of RAM which in fact has 4GB RAM now shows 4GB, after installing all the updates from Windows Update.

]]> By: SmartyPants http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-60978 SmartyPants Fri, 05 Dec 2008 01:24:15 +0000 http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-32-bit-vista-memory-limits/#comment-60978 Read up on PAE and PSE - linux and mac both can use 4kb/2mb/4mb pages (yes, even the 32bit versions) and can address up to 64GB using page tables/page size extentions - this has been available (in mobo/chipset/cpu) since pentium pro. For windoze there are switches in boot.ini for 32bit XP (/pae) and BCDEdit for Vista 32bit (bcdedit /set pae ForceEnable). WARNING though - and this is the clincher - not all devices drivers play nicely with PAE so it can lead to system instability - but most newer drivers and hardware support PAE. Read up on PAE and PSE – linux and mac both can use 4kb/2mb/4mb pages (yes, even the 32bit versions) and can address up to 64GB using page tables/page size extentions – this has been available (in mobo/chipset/cpu) since pentium pro.

For windoze there are switches in boot.ini for 32bit XP (/pae) and BCDEdit for Vista 32bit (bcdedit /set pae ForceEnable).

WARNING though – and this is the clincher – not all devices drivers play nicely with PAE so it can lead to system instability – but most newer drivers and hardware support PAE.

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