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Wrong memory count

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6 replies

by stanmannus

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I have a precision 220 with 512MB RAM. BIOS sees all 512 but WIN XP will only use 124MB. Systems Properties screen displays "124MB RAM". If I use a different HDD with WIN XP on it - all 512 is available which leads me to believe MEM & MOBO are OK. Bios has been upgraded to A13(most recent). There is too much to be lost by formatting this HDD.
Anyone know how to correct the amount of mem Win XP sees?

6 replies

by statykserver

I would try swapping the memory into different slots making sure they are seated properly. Then boot up and see what windows sees. If it only sees 124 again then boot the system with each stick of ram to see which one it is not recognizing.

by hal 9000

Do you have on board Video?

If you do then some system RAM is being used for the Video and it has been altered in the BIOS to an unreasonable amount. Since BIOS is seeing all 512 MEG and Windows isn't the most likely thing is that someone has altered the Memory available for Video in BIOS and taken it up to 300 + MEG. You'll need to enter BIOS and reset the Video Memory to 64 MEG and you should have the RAM available again in Windows.

Col

by hal 9000

Well have you tried moving the suspect RAM Sticks to another working computer?

If they are working there and the one from it are showing the proper amount on the other computer it has to be a Windows Problem. Most likely the Ram isn't being reported correctly by Windows but is still there.

Col

by hal 9000

I know you've said that the on board video has been disabled but has the amount of RAM dedicated to it be taken down as well? That could still be your problem particularly if someone has been screwing around with the computers in an attempt to get a better picture. :)

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