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Computer newbies: How do i use my 5 GB on my window Vista 32-bit? HELP!
How do i use my 5 GB on my window Vista 32-bit? HELP!
by beaver441 - 10/20/07 10:14 PMI bought extra ram for my pc with out realizing that in order of my pc to recognize more then 2 GB of ram you would need a 64-bit operating system. I was wondering if there was a cheaper way of using all my ram without having to buy another copy of vista
Vista 32bit
by anmor - 10/20/07 11:48 PM In reply to: How do i use my 5 GB on my window Vista 32-bit? HELP! by beaver441can only use about 3.5gig maximum, less depending on hardware.
I can only guess that you have 2x2gig & 2x512meg sticks in dual channel mode. So your options are sell the odd 1gig pair or get 64bit version, you could try contacting Microsoft and ask if you can get a 64bit disk at a reduced cost if it's a retail version, but if it's an OEM version I think you are out of luck.
2x2gig & 2x512meg sticks
by beaver441 - 10/29/07 11:48 AM In reply to: Vista 32bit by anmori have 2x2gig 240-pin DIMM DDR2 & 2x512meg sticks. your exactly right. iam not for sure what the dual channel mode means...lol it sux being ignorant. 
(NT) No tricks, get 64-bit OS
by Willy - 10/21/07 2:59 AM In reply to: How do i use my 5 GB on my window Vista 32-bit? HELP! by beaver441What version? Utimate, business, etc?
by Dango517 - 10/21/07 6:47 AM In reply to: How do i use my 5 GB on my window Vista 32-bit? HELP! by beaver441Maximum RAM installations vary depending on the version installed. Business over 100 GB maximum RAM, for instance.
note: x64 versions are showing many problems with 4GB RAM installation. Avoid. Check before you install, possible bug.
That's only for x64 editions...
by John.Wilkinson
- 10/21/07 3:27 PM
In reply to: What version? Utimate, business, etc? by Dango517
Beaver441 has a 32-bit edition, so the RAM limitation is uniform across the board: 4GB, topping off around 3.5GB in most cases.
Continuing anmor's suggestion, Microsoft will ship you a free Vista x64 DVD, which accepts your existing product key, as long as you pay S&H. However, that only applies to retail, not OEM, licenses. If you have the latter your only option to to purchase a full retail copy.
John
Correct
by Dango517 - 10/21/07 7:04 PM In reply to: That's only for x64 editions... by John.Wilkinson
As I said x64 versions. Thanks for the additional information.
I meant the reverse...
by John.Wilkinson - 10/21/07 7:11 PM
In reply to: Correct by Dango517
"Maximum RAM installations vary depending on the version installed. Business over 100 GB maximum RAM, for instance."
-> That's 64-bit versions only, with the limit being 128MB.
"note: x64 versions are showing many problems with 4GB RAM installation. Avoid. Check before you install, possible bug."
-> That issue is with 32-bit versions, lingering from XP and earlier. 64-bit editions should have no problems as the approach, or exceed, 4GB.
The way I read it, it seemed like x86/x64 were reversed.
John
I'm showing x64
by Dango517 - 10/21/07 7:34 PM In reply to: I meant the reverse... by John.Wilkinson
including this KB.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929777
Most responses are on the Technet forums but there are many. These are not official responses however. I'm going to drop this after this last comment. For what its worth. I'd suggest anyone wanting to add 4GB of RAM might want to research it a bit first, especially on x64 versions there seem to be some problems. I didn't think I'd have to debate it. Just trying to be helpful here and give everyone the heads up.
free Vista x64 DVD
by beaver441 - 10/29/07 11:43 AM In reply to: That's only for x64 editions... by John.Wilkinson
Like i said, i am kinda new with the whole computer sense. so your saying i can call Microsoft and the will ship me a free Vista 64-bit DVD? also, would you instruct me on what to say? lol, and where could i find the number to call?
It would be understandable if you dont want to help and be most appropriated if you did...
Not free
by tubaloth - 10/29/07 11:56 AM In reply to: free Vista x64 DVD by beaver441HE is just saying talk to MS and see if you can order a 64bit through them. You don't have to get vista, they make XP in 64 bit also.
The problem with 64 bit is mostly drivers. Older drivers were never meant to run on 64bit operating systems. Most newer (vista) drivers do have a 64 bit version.
Either sell off some RAM or buy 64 bit.
OEM is cheaper but you don't get support through MS.
Here you go...
by John.Wilkinson - 10/29/07 5:16 PM
In reply to: free Vista x64 DVD by beaver441
It's somewhat buggy and not compatible with all browsers, but you can request alternative media using this webform. If the webform fails and you're in the US you can call the Microsoft Sales and Information Center at 800-426-9400 between 6:00am and 5:30pm Pacific. Depending on where you live it may be just S&H, with the cost usually varying between $5 and $20. You must provide your current Vista product key to order the DVD, and that same key will be used to activate Vista x64. Just remember you can only have one copy of Vista installed per key at a time. (You can't install x86 and x64 editions at the same time using a single key.)
Hope this helps,
John
P.S. For those who stumble upon this thread, this offer also applies to those who need Vista on a series of CDs should a DVD drive not be present.
Processor
by beaver441 - 11/1/07 9:35 PM In reply to: Here you go... by John.Wilkinson
LOL one my question, hopefully. umm, how do i find out if my processor will support a 64-bit OS?
Pentium(R) d CPU 2.80GHz @2.79GHz
by beaver441 - 11/3/07 12:08 AM In reply to: (NT) Which one do you have? See device manager. by Dango517Pentium(R) d CPU 2.80GHz @2.79GHz
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