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#11
The point is that if you are using 32-bit Windows your motherboard will support only 2GB of RAM and the people at that store should have looked up your mainboard specs before they sold you something you cannot use.
In the Windows 7 start menu right click the computer button and click properties to see if you are running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows and post back.
I'm running at 32-bit. I am curious, tho, as to why there are slots, according to Dell, for up to 8gb upgrade?
Please read (thoroughly) the quotes in the post #10 in this same thread to see your mobo specs concerning RAM limits.
So, would I be able to install 64-bit version of Windows 7 on my system? And if I can, are there any other benefits?
Start at the link below to see if the PC can handle 64-bit.
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
Then have a look at these.
64-bit: More than just the RAM
32 bit vs 64 bit Comparison
I just called Dell and spoke with their technician.....and according to them, there is nothing that I can do short of buying a new machine. So, with that in mind, I think I'll be taking the 4gb of ram back and get my money back and reinstall the 4 slots of 512....or would it be wise to keep a 2gb strip to replace the 4 512's? Any benefits there?
Not really. It's the same RAM at the same speed. I actually prefer, as with most things computer, to have more smaller RAM than one large size RAM.
Well, you guys have been very helpful....not to mention saving me a few dollars. Thank you for you help.