Member Avatar for ramiljoaquin

my computer can't read all the memory, my memory is 256mb DDRAM, but when i look at mycomputer properties, it only shows 96mb, please help me :)

God bless!!!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by fry

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Short, practical guidance that builds on 's BIOS-vs-Windows point and 's suggestion about memory frequency.

Recommended checks and order of work:

  1. Verify Windows boot limits: check the boot loader for a forced maximum. On Windows 2000/XP open Start -> Run -> msconfig, go to the BOOT.INI tab -> Advanced Options and make sure "Maximum memory" is unchecked (or that no /maxmem switch is present in the boot line). If the OS is limited by a boot option, Windows will report less usable RAM even when the BIOS sees the full module.

  2. Confirm physical/module behavior: reseat the DIMM, try it in a different slot, and test with a known-good stick if available. If the BIOS produced a frequency/compatibility warning when a new module was installed, that points to an SPD/speed mismatch. Set memory speed/timings in BIOS to Auto or to the motherboard-supported value (as suggested).

  3. Run an independent memory test: boot a memory tester (memtest86 or the Windows Memory Diagnostic) and let it complete at least one full pass. If errors appear, the module or the motherboard slot is faulty and the RAM should be replaced or tested in another machine.

Additional notes and cautions:

  • If BIOS reports full RAM and memtest shows no errors but Windows still reports less, the problem is almost always a boot/OS configuration or a third-party driver reserving memory; a repair install or removing restrictive boot switches usually fixes it.
  • BIOS updates can resolve SPD detection quirks but flash carefully and follow the motherboard vendor instructions.
  • Use anti-static precautions when handling modules and keep a backup of important data before flashing BIOS or making major changes.

Recommended Answers

All 11 Replies

Member Avatar for alc6379

Does it show this in the BIOS, or just in Windows? How is the RAM installed in your system? When did this start happening?

Please provide us some more information. For all we know, this isn't even a Windows problem, but a bona fide hardware problem.

Member Avatar for ramiljoaquin

Does it show this in the BIOS, or just in Windows? How is the RAM installed in your system? When did this start happening?

Please provide us some more information. For all we know, this isn't even a Windows problem, but a bona fide hardware problem.

almost a month now. when i try to replace my memory, it shows a msg something like frequency overflow, the bios can read all memory, but when im on windows, it can't read the total memory. .. :?::sad:

Member Avatar for ramiljoaquin

almost a month now. when i try to replace my memory, it shows a msg something like frequency overflow, the bios can read all memory, but when im on windows, it can't read the total memory. .. :?::sad:

Member Avatar for fry

almost a month now. when i try to replace my memory, it shows a msg something like frequency overflow, the bios can read all memory, but when im on windows, it can't read the total memory. .. :?::sad:

Hi.
And what about your video card? is it on board or not.

Member Avatar for ramiljoaquin

No, its not... it's separate..:)

Member Avatar for ramiljoaquin

because it can't maximize the usage of memory, my machine always go freeze. i think my hard drive may also be damage if i will not get the solution to this problem, please help me..

Member Avatar for fry

can you tell the drand of you memory and it frequency. how mauch ram do you have(number of memory plates)? may be you set up wrong frequency for the memory in BIOS?

Member Avatar for ramiljoaquin

i think you're right, because when i try to replace the memory with the new one, it pop a error msg on bios said "frequencey blah blah blah!", i have one memory plate, 256mb.

Member Avatar for fry

i think you're right, because when i try to replace the memory with the new one, it pop a error msg on bios said "frequencey blah blah blah!", i have one memory plate, 256mb.

ok, but you don't write the originsl frequency of you memory, it's ok, may be you don't know, o i suggest you enter you bios -> advanced settings->memory frequency(it may be named different) and then choose an option "auto".

Member Avatar for ramiljoaquin

thank you very much, i will try this when i get home... thanks. God bless, im going home now.

Member Avatar for fry

you are welcome:)

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