Simple question re: memory in 32-bit vs. 64-bit

[truford]

I think this is a very simple question, but I need some expert opinions on it. I have a 32-bit OS at my office, which runs Windows XP. Had trouble saving large (100+ MB) Photoshop files due to insufficient RAM. The IT dept. installed more memory, but the problem persists. I am told by the IT dude, "I don't know why it's not working because I put 8GB of memory in it." Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't a 32-bit OS capable of reading only up to 4GB of RAM? Isn't the solution to my problem to upgrade to a 64-bit OS that has about 6GB of RAM? I understand that no matter how much memory you install -- or how much fairy dust you sprinkle over it -- a 32-bit OS still won't be able to access any more than 4GB of memory. Of course, I could be wrong. Any advice???

 

[linnemeyerhere]

truford,
You're correct and a 32 bit system won't even get all of 4gb's it will top out around 3.2-3.4gb.

 

[bobkn]

There are 32 bit server Windows versions that will address more than 4GB of RAM.

I believe that none of them are called Windows XP.

There's a 64 bit version of XP available, if your IT department insists that you run XP. (It was never made available at retail.)

 

[AddRAM]

Nothing is ever saved in memory, when you shut off your pc it`s gone. There should be no reason why you can`t save your files on the hard drive as long as you have the room for it. Is there anything in the program itself that prevents you from saving large files ? Do you get any kind of message ?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

4 gb with XP 32 is perfect and as AddRam mentions there likely is something altogether different going on why you aren't able to save those large programs.

 

[Kaioken]

trudord,

You are right, a 32-bit OS is only capable of up to 4GB, so I recommend you get a 64-bit system to utilise the other 4GB

 

[Wandering one]

I had somewhat the same problem but with 8 to 10 GB video files on my XP drive. Corrected by opening up a restricted pagefile setting. Don't see this helping on Mb files but anyhow FWIW.
Art.