Memory Incorrectly Reported in XP

[Guest]

I have 750MB of RAM installed in a computer. The bios
correctly reports the amount of RAM during the POST. WIN
XP, however, reports 248MB of RAM. I have identical RAM
in identical machines (same motherboard, same processor,
same hard driver, same BIOS) with no problem. Also, if I
remove the 512MB stick and leave only the 256MB stick, WIN
still reports 248MB. If I put the 512MB stick in by
itself, same report. It also does not matter which order
you put the RAM in.

 

[Sharon F]

I have 750MB of RAM installed in a computer. The bios
correctly reports the amount of RAM during the POST. WIN
XP, however, reports 248MB of RAM. I have identical RAM
in identical machines (same motherboard, same processor,
same hard driver, same BIOS) with no problem. Also, if I
remove the 512MB stick and leave only the 256MB stick, WIN
still reports 248MB. If I put the 512MB stick in by
itself, same report. It also does not matter which order
you put the RAM in.

Where are you checking for the amount of RAM? Seems to me that System
Information sometimes reports this amount incorrectly while System
Properties has remained accurate in XP's lifetime.

Suggestions:
--Check Start> Run> MSCONFIG> Boot.ini> Advanced Options. If a value for
/maxmem is shown, uncheck the box.

--Run a memory tester on the RAM. These tests are not 100% conclusive but
if there is a glaring problem, the software testers will pick them up. A
computer shop would be able to run the more sophisticated tests if
necessary. RAM diagnostic tool: http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

 

[Joshua Smith [MSFT]]

Asside from the missing 512MB stick it sounds like you have an 8MB AGP card
that is claiming 8MB's of memory to take your 256MB stick to 248MB.

Joshua Smith
DirectInput and OpenGL Test Labs
Microsoft
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