Windows 7 - 4gb ram but only 3.25 usable?

Ellwood00 · 12-02-2009

ok so i stupidly decided to install hardware with my computer on and i sliped while putting a pci card in and hit su,tin that booted off my computer. now when i got it back on i have this message in my system properties "4.00 GB installed (3.25 GB usable)" anyone know hot to fix this. im using windows 7 ultimate X64. i think i may have either hit the GPU or a capacitor :/. any idea how to get this memory back

cortez · 12-02-2009

don't know if your mishap caused any problems, but with my laptop, a portion of the memory is used for my LCD display. so, i have 4.0 GB Installed (3.75 GB usable). it would also help me (and others) if you include your hardware/software setup under "My System Specs".

Uber Philf · 12-02-2009

Are you running onboard GFX or GFX by a card?

Qdos · 12-02-2009

Have you enabled the x64 operating system option in your BIOS?

nate42nd · 12-03-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by Ellwood00

ok so i stupidly decided to install hardware with my computer on and i sliped while putting a pci card in and hit su,tin that booted off my computer. now when i got it back on i have this message in my system properties "4.00 GB installed (3.25 GB usable)" anyone know hot to fix this. im using windows 7 ultimate X64. i think i may have either hit the GPU or a capacitor :/. any idea how to get this memory back

Installing that card is probably the reason for the memory being "missing" Your motherboard has mapped the memory for the PCI card. It will use the memory for that form now on. It's normal.

Jonathan_King · 12-03-2009

What happens if you remove the PCI card?

nate42nd · 12-03-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by Jonathan_King

What happens if you remove the PCI card?

I believe the BIOS will re-allocate the memory back to the OS for general use as I understand it. I have seen this happen but have never tried removing the card to see what happens.

Ellwood00 · 12-04-2009

ok so i fixed it. i decided to look in the msconfig to see what was goin on when i booted and apperently my max memory was set to 0. so i tried putting it to 4096 but it didnt work so i just unchecked the box and i have my memory back but i am missing one mb. so i now have 4095mb of ram. and the hardware is fine and i took the tv turner card out.

nate42nd · 12-04-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by Ellwood00

ok so i fixed it. i decided to look in the msconfig to see what was goin on when i booted and apperently my max memory was set to 0. so i tried putting it to 4096 but it didnt work so i just unchecked the box and i have my memory back but i am missing one mb. so i now have 4095mb of ram. and the hardware is fine and i took the tv turner card out.

I don't know if this is a very good idea, it may cause more problems. Good luck, I would change that back and let the board allocate the memory where it needs it.

smarteyeball · 12-04-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by Ellwood00

so i now have 4095mb of ram. and the hardware is fine and i took the tv turner card out.

And that is why you have your memory back

1mb is always reserved for hardware in x64

Windows 7 - 4gb ram but only 3.25 usable?

4gb ram but only 3.25 usable? problems?