Memory not showing as usable in windows 7

[erichall090909]

Hi i recently made my new computer with 16gb of memory. I am using a M4N75TD motherboard and 16gb of corsair memory. When i start up my computer the memok! light comes on as red but eventually turns off. In windows 7 it shows 16 gb installed but only 3.5gb useable. Any ideas on what i can do??

 

[itzdanielp]

Are you using Windows 7 32-bit?

 

[howardp6]

The only thing you can do is to install the 64 bit version of Windows 7 after determining yo have the 64 bit drivers for you hardware.

 

[jaquith]

Yep, chances are you have a 32-bit version of Windows 7; before buying see -> http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778(v=vs.85).aspx#physical_memory_limits_windows_7

 

[rytek]

You are using Win 7 32 bit which can only address 4GB of memory. I bet 512MB is in your video card, so that leaves 3.5GB of system RAM to address. Reinstall the 64-bit software and you will see all 16GB AND access the 512 on your video card.

 

[Zenthar]

And in case you are wondering, yes a 32 bits Windows 7 license key is valid for the 64 bits as well.

 

[erichall090909]

Well I am pretty sure I installed the correct version. Its a free trial from http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/Windows-7.shtml
And I'm pretty sure I chose the 64 bit version is there any other possible problems?

 

[itzdanielp]

With the problem that you explained that is really the only logical conclusion.

 

[erichall090909]

Is there an easy way to see which version u have installed

 

[itzdanielp]

Go to start
Right click "My Computer"
Choose "Properties"

under system it will say "xx-bit operating system"

 

[erichall090909]

Thank guys I will do that after work and fill u in

 

[erichall090909]

Ok so apparently i did install the 32 bit version thanks for all the help. probably no easy way to switch right|

 

[Zenthar]

No, you cannot switch or upgrade from 32 to 64 bits, it is always a full install.