Windows does not see all RAM

[Steve]

We have a workstation running Windows XP Pro SP2 with all the latest
updates.
Just recently we found out that it does not recognize all of the
available memory after the user complained that the computer started
freezing up alot.

The computer has 1GB of RAM. The BIOS sees it correctly as 2 x 512MB
totaling 1024MB.
However when you login to Windows and view the system properties it
only sees 256MB.
I ran CPUz and it only saw 256MB and only reported that the computer
has one memory slot where in reality it has 2 and both have a 512MB
stick in them.

I have tried swapping RAM. I have tried using one slot only and then
the other but nothing is helping.
I have tried reloading Windows over itself.
I have tried adding the following switched to the boot.ini file -- /3GB
... /PAE ... that didnt help.
I used a utility to view the info that SMBIOS is reporting and it sees
a gig of RAM. So the BIOS and SMBIOS see the correct amount of RAM but
Windows does not. I have tried everything I know of and really need
some ideas to fix this without performing a clean install of Windows..

Thanks.

 

[Brian A]

Run a memory test on the modules to check their integrity. Run one of the tests
for a few hours, less if you get multiple errors from the start.
http://www.memtest86.com/
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp



--

Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

 

[Steve]

I did run the tests using memtest86 and Eurosoft PC-Check.
The memory modules are fine.
I also tried other modules with the same result -- BIOS sees it
correctly but Windows does not.

 

[Brian A]

See if any of this helps:

http://forums.amd.com/lofiversion/index.php/t62821.html

http://www.windowsitlibrary.com/Content/435/07/9.html

http://groups.google.com/groups?lnk=hpsg&hl=en&q=xp+doesn't+see+correct+total+ram

--

Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

 

[nothere]

Hi
You may wish to check your Bios setting ( when computer start up press
whatever key it request for Bios or start up menu ). This will occur after
the memory test so as you say its report the correct memory, windows
incorrectly , the Bios setting are between the two. If the Bios is not set
correct it will report incorrectly to windows.

 

[Brian A]

Hi
You may wish to check your Bios setting ( when computer start up press
whatever key it request for Bios or start up menu ). This will occur after
the memory test so as you say its report the correct memory, windows
incorrectly , the Bios setting are between the two. If the Bios is not set
correct it will report incorrectly to windows.

The OP stated in the first post:
<quote>
The computer has 1GB of RAM. The BIOS sees it correctly as 2 x 512MB totaling 1024MB.
However when you login to Windows and view the system properties it only sees 256MB.
</quote>


--

Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

 

[sparky]

I would look closely at the Bios also, Even if its report the hardware it
may be set to the wrong voltage, bandwidth, bank 1 ( or a ) may be disable,
or dual-channel with miss-match memory. I would also try one stick and a
time in bank 0 then 1 to see how it reports in bios and windows.

Then again windows is well know for its bugs. Why do you think it require
so many " updates " What do you think " update " means in MS slang ???

 

[sssnake]

I would look closely at the Bios also, Even if its report the hardware
it may be set to the wrong voltage, bandwidth, bank 1 ( or a ) may be
disable, or dual-channel with miss-match memory. I would also try one
stick and a time in bank 0 then 1 to see how it reports in bios and
windows.

Then again windows is well know for its bugs. Why do you think it
require so many " updates " What do you think " update " means in MS
slang ???

i belive that Brian a may be on the right after all windows is the sorce of
99.9% of all problems that i have to fix. bbbbbbbbut nothere and sparky
been up some good points as well.

what will be " ms slang " for the 1st Vista buyers ? , you know the fools
that are in line to get the 1st bug filled verison.
do you think mircosoft laugh at them behind there backs ?

 

[Gerry Cornell]

Steve

Select Start, Run, Msconfig, Boot.ini, Advanced Options. Has a MAXMEM
figure been set? If yes I would be interested to know what Brian A.
Sesko thinks about it.

--

Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Brian A]

IMHO it should only be used by developers for debugging or top tech support to
troubleshoot only, and only if it's really required. Whatever it's value it is set
at with each number = 1MB is what XP is limited to use.

--

Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375