Windows 7: Win 7 not using all memory

I want to go back to your first post and clarify a couple of things. You said you "just upgraded to windows 7 64bit and went from two gig to 8 gig." Did you upgrade from Windows 7 32bit or something else? Did you use a Windows 7 OEM disk, a full install disk or an upgrade disk to do the clean install? Did you have any issues of any kind during the upgrade like Windows Updates not installing on first attempt, etc?

On the off chance that some glitch may have damaged or corrupted the system files and isn't allowing the memory to be properly recognized, you could try running a system file checker scan from an elevated command prompt (option two.) If any problems are found run the scan 3 times rebooting in between each scan. If SFC is able to fix any problems use your computer to see if the memory is being recognized and if the hardware reserve is other than 0MB.

SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

If SFC showed problems or not, you could also try doing a repair install which should preserve your user accounts, data, programs, system drivers, etc.

Repair Install

If this doesn't fix things I think a clean install would be warranted. But all of this speculation is based on the assumption that this is a software issue. If you have an undiagnosed hardware issue even a clean install probably won't fix things. And nothing is jumping out at me from your screenshot of Daz Studio 4.

I used a proper windows 7 64 bit installation disk and made a clear install. I don,t remember if I did that before or after the ram was installed. Not sure if that matters. I'll try your scan procedure tonight. Thanks

Hey Mars, I wasn't able to use the prompt. I kept telling me I needed to be an administrator. I must've done soemthing wrong. Like I said, I'm not very much of a techie with the computer stuff. Trying...

Not a problem. Start > All Programs > Accessories > right-click Command Prompt > Run As Administrator (or, from Start Menu type in cmd > right-click Command Prompt > run as administrator.)

sarge,
Go To an Elevated Command Prompt


Elevated command prompt = Run CMD.EXE as administrator

WIN | type CMD.EXE | do not hit Enter |
in the PROGRAMS list, right-click on CMD.EXE |
choose "Run as administrator" |
Click on the YES button (if such appears)

WIN key = key with Microsoft log on top

for the guru:
WIN | type CMD.EXE | CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER key combo | ALT+Y keycombo

Hi Sarge

Based on your motherboard, you have an option for dual channel memory configuration which is only available when you install 2 RAM of the same brand, size, chips and speed, which i understand you are using from G.Skill.

Q. What does your BIOS report as the total memory ....is it 8 GB (8192)? if not,then there is a high probability of RAM or slots being defective ....

if it does show 8GB, then it should probably be on the software side....

Solved! It was my mother board. It was going bad and not working the right way according to the guys at PC direct. Got a new processor and mobo. I'm off and running!
Thanks for all your help everyone. I sure appreciate it!

Sorry you had to spend more money but glad to hear it's fixed. Thanks for posting back.

Well the mother board was a little salty. Spent $320 for the Asus mobo, AMD Phenom II and 8 new gig of Ram. But my computer is running real fast and this process with your help here on the boards has taught me some new things that will help me as I continue with upgrades in the future.
Thanks everyone.