Vista and 4G of RAM

[chrosken]

Hi,

I have a Dell XPS 600 machine with Nvidia SLI ready motherboard and Intel Pentium D duo core capable processor. My machine is running 32bit Windows Vista Home Basic edition operating system. I installed 2G additional RAM and Vista is not seeing it. I checked the BIOS, and it showed 4G installed. It is mind boggling that the OS did not see the additional RAM added at all.

I made sure that the memory is not defective by removing the original memory that came with the PC and use the new ones I got. The machine boot fine, and was able to see that it has 2G of RAM from System Settings. I read a lot about Vista and issues with 4G of RAM but found no helpful workaround. Most of the complaints I read is that Vista will not read all 4G instead will read 3.4G or 3.5G. I don't want to upgrade to 64bit at this time. I also tried the PAE switch to no avail. I just want my OS to see the additional RAM and will be a happy camper if someone can point me to the right direction.

Thanks!

[CrowdAds]

[Snuffy]

Only Vista x64 will show 4GB Ram, and then only if you have the Special Fix installed...
Vista is stuck and has many errors with 4GB Ram.... remove 1GB and enjoy.

[chrosken]

I want to see atleast 1G added. The issue I have is that the OS itself would not see the additional RAM I added. I don't need to see all 4G, but would like to see atleast 3G.

[Snuffy]

Then only have 3GB added.... it is when you have 4GB installed that VISTA screws up... It was never intended to use 4GB...
since 1GB is actually bigger than 1GB...
there are many posts in reference to this memory all over this Forum and MS sites.

Believe me... shut down... removed 1 stick of memory---restart and see.

[chrosken]

Originally Posted by Snuffy

Then only have 3GB added.... it is when you have 4GB installed that VISTA screws up... It was never intended to use 4GB...
since 1GB is actually bigger than 1GB...
there are many posts in reference to this memory all over this Forum and MS sites.

Believe me... shut down... removed 1 stick of memory---restart and see.

I did try to add just one stick and the OS don't see it either. Somehow something is going on that I can't figure out. My OS will not see any additional RAM, 1G or 2G.

[Snuffy]

Memory
Type
533- and 667-MHz DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM
Memory connectors
four
Memory capacities
256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, or 2 GB non-ECC
are all 4 sticks the same type-manufacture-

Minimum memory
512 MB
Max memory
8GB
NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly. You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 or DIMM connectors 3 and 4.

Originally Posted by dell

If using a 32-bit operating system such as Microsoft® Windows® XP, your computer will support a maximum of 2 GB of memory. If you are using a 64-bit operating system, your computer will support a maximum of 8 GB (2-GB DIMMs in each of the four slots) of memory.

since your computer is not rated Vista it might only read 2GB unless you use a 64 bit system.

[chrosken]

Originally Posted by Snuffy

Memory
Type
533- and 667-MHz DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM
Memory connectors
four
Memory capacities
256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, or 2 GB non-ECC
are all 4 sticks the same type-manufacture-

Minimum memory
512 MB
Max memory
8GB
NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly. You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 or DIMM connectors 3 and 4.

I see what you're saying but that will not help me with the issue. Like I said, Vista will not see any additional RAM I add and keep on saying that I only have 2G.

[felix8406]

Sorry can't be of help, but when you installed the additional 2GB, did you notice any changes in speed? Also, how about your Windows Experience Index; did it change at all? Finally, can you run the two sticks separate from the original ones and compare your Experience Index between the two pairs?

[Snuffy]

Originally Posted by Dell

Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM connector 1, the connector closest to the processor, before you install modules in the other connectors.

so if you want 3 sticks 1 single in DIMM1 then the pair is DIMM 3 & 4.

Dell is super fussy on when and how you install memory. they are also very specific it is all in the MANUAL... but you have to READ SLOWLY and very carefully.

[chrosken]

Originally Posted by Snuffy

so if you want 3 sticks 1 single in DIMM1 then the pair is DIMM 3 & 4.

Dell is super fussy on when and how you install memory. they are also very specific it is all in the MANUAL... but you have to READ SLOWLY and very carefully.

I tried your suggestion and that did not help either. I will try to run some system diagnostics or something and see if that will help. I will also call Dell and see if they have any suggestions. Thanks to all of you for advise.

[Snuffy]

You did read and understand that the 600 is not an Approved Vista Mobo, and as XP it will only read 2GB Ram under x86 and will read upto 8GB under x64..

Originally Posted by dell
If using a 32-bit operating system such as Microsoft® Windows® XP, your computer will support a maximum of 2 GB of memory. If you are using a 64-bit operating system, your computer will support a maximum of 8 GB (2-GB DIMMs in each of the four slots) of memory.