4gb ram installed but 2.75gb useable?

A few comments here. I'll assume at this point that hardware problems are ruled out.

32 bits client versions of Windows arbitrarily restricts memory to 4GB, regardless of how much you actually have. An on-board graphics card is a typical reason for that, and if that's the case nothing will "recover" that memory (it would be used by the GPU, not wasted but not at the OS's disposal).
But if you have a dedicated GPU, then upgrading to a 64 bits Windows would recover those and get the full 4GB. The memory in 32 bits Windows is effectively wasted there (for a different combination of causes).

The amount of RAM available to 32 bit Win7 is closer to 3.75 gb so having 1gb reserved for GPU would bring it to what you have.

You'd only regain .25 gb by changing to 64 bit, although you might be able to adjust the amount the GPU reserves in BIOS setup as earlier suggested.

However if this is the HP factory install then you should Clean Reinstall Windows 7 with 64 bit anyway since the HP Factory install is the worst possible install, larded with the worst load of bloatware in the industry which interferes with better versions built into the OS. You won't even experience real Win7 on that PC until you do.

great tips thanks. I dont see a GPU setting in bios. I probably wont be buying 64 bit win 7 anytime soon. dont have the $ for it right now.

macgig said:

great tips thanks. I dont see a GPU setting in bios. I probably wont be buying 64 bit win 7 anytime soon. dont have the $ for it right now.

Don't need to buy anything. The very same license applies to both 32 and 64 bits, as long as it's the same edition. Just install x64 and use your very same serial to activate it.

this pc was given to me. if that makes any difference. so you're saying I can download and install the 64 bit win 7 for free? the windows COA tag on it is faded out, cant even read it.

hmmm, wonder if installing windows 10 would fix the issue?

You can find out your product key with one of these 22 Free Product Key Finder Programs (July 2015)

Then clean install with a 64bit installation media Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 using your key

Hardest challenge is finding the installation ISOs, if you have a retail copy you can download from Microsoft Software Recovery

This happend to me once. Change to 64-bit.

The key on COA sticker (which should be preserved like any other $100+ value property) cannot be read from the mobo unless it was already used to do a Clean Reinstall Windows 7.

As it explains in tutorial, the key which comes embedded from factory is a batch key that cannot be used for reinstall, which is the reason why the COA sticker is required by MS to be affixed.

In this case you can order factory Recovery disks although they will likely be in the same bit-version as shipped. You can try to probe this with your PC's Tech Support, sometimes requiring calling back until you get someone who is competent and/or helpful.

There is also a method to back up SLP factory activation file to reinstall it afterward, but it is not supported by decision of the Admin of these forums so you will have to research it on your own and not ask further questions about it here. I do not know if it will work with a 32>64 bit-version switch.

Can you read the Product Key off sticker with the aid of a powerful light and magnifying glass? Sometimes taking a picture on a phone and zooming in will show enough to discern the key.

The key on COA sticker (which should be preserved like any other $100+ value property) cannot be read from the mobo unless it was already used to do a Clean Reinstall Windows 7.

Meh, I took a photo of mine right away reading your comment :) even though it is safe inside battery compartment.

Also noticed mine say "Windows 7 Home Prem OA MEA" - MEA is Middle East Africa but what is OA? What kind of key is this? (It is an MSI laptop)

OA is Offline Activation, which means batch key used at factory as best I can tell. It never has any bearing on online reactivation with COA key that I've seen.

However sometimes regional specifications like you also have can mean some restrictions. MS Customer Service can clarify this as it is different in various regions.