I recently built a new machine with 8GB of RAM with Vista 64-bit. This is the first time i have used 64-bit technology of any kind, and my first time using over 4GB of RAM on any machine. I cant seem to get Vista to recognize all the the RAM though, it only recognizes 3199 MB of it . I have updated the BIOS and this has not made a difference. Any one have any thoughts or know of a way to get Vista to see all of the RAM? I am sure of the motherboard's compatability.

I've heard (but can't confirm) that the Vista-64 DVD comes with Vista-32 as well. Are you sure you installed Vista-64? It *sounds* like you're running into the 32-bit memory limitation.

Anyone else know of a way to verify what's installed?

-Wolf queries

Wolfshadw: to verify you can right click the 'computer' link in the start menu and click properties. It'll show system type.


JTUnderwood: Have you installed all the drivers for your motherboard? is there a setting in bois to enable more ram? im not really experienced in using that much ram but those are some things that come to mind that you could check...

Since it only recognized 3199 MB, tt does seem like it is behaving like Vista 32 bit - so the suggestions above are the best to try first.
If still an issue, have you tested memory and slots by trying only 2 sticks at a time and testing different slots?

If it's only recognizing 3.2GB, I'm afraid that isn't Vista x64.

Agreed.

You probably installed the wrong one on accident.

Hi,

look for "Memory remap" in the bios, set enabled.

Yes, I am quite sure i installed the right copy of Windows Vista. Any other suggestions about what may be wrong? Anyone's suggestions would be a great help, thanks!

djbrad007 i will be sure and try that too, just want to see what others think while i do.

I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said. I too have Vista x64, but I don't have the money or the need for 4+GB of RAM to test out that particular feature...

-mcg

Enabling the Memory remap worked! Thanks a bunch! Only problem is now my system is hanging outside of safe-mode... could this be from the newly recognized RAM? or is it more likely to be something else?

Make sure all your memory sticks are the same kind and density. Check settings in the bios also. let me know if that helps.

Have you tried to see if using just 4GB works properly?

-mcg

Well, the 3.2 GB works just fine, and all of the sticks are the exact same (4*2GB) and safe mode runs fine which leads me to believe it is something with software in Windows but i don't know what that would be...

I have disabled the memory remap and gone back to the 3199 MB of RAM and my system runs fine. What could the problem be with running the full 8GB of RAM? Any ideas?