Missing RAM

[dude984]

Hola!

So I'm using a nearly 10 year old Dell XPS desktop my dad gave me. It was running XP, and I was stubborn enough to put Windows 8 on it. Now I love Windows 8 in nearly every aspect, but this is not why I post here...

Before my dad gave me his old computer, he told me there were 4GB of RAM installed in it. Since it's been in my possession, it only recognizes 2GB. It shows there are 2GB of additional RAM that aren't being used. Now I've seen numerous causes and solutions to this problem, from RAM being plugged in the wrong ports to driver issues. I'd be glad to provide as much info as I can to try to get those extra 2GB back.

Currently I'm running Windows 8 32-bit, so this worries me that the OS won't even be able to recognize all 4GB anyway, but I'd like to try. I'm currently at work and won't get home until very late, so I won't be able to provide some info for a while. But any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Dude]

When you get a chance post a screenshot of your resource manager memory tab. And yes 64 bit will allow more memory

 

[dude984]

Will do. I'll have to do it tonight, so I'll post when I can.

 

[Dude]

Sounds good dude

 

[David Bailey]

Crucial is a good indicator of RAM.
I've used it for years.

RAM Memory Upgrade: Dell, Mac, Apple, HP, Compaq. USB drives, SSD at Crucial.com

 

[dude984]

Wasn't sure exactly what you wanted, so I took these two shots. Hope this helps...

 

[Hopachi]

@dude984
Right click on My Computer or Computer -> Properties would show the total installed memory: the reserved memory isn't usable.

The first picture says you have 2GB system reserved so with 32bit on that machine, 2GB usable out of 4GB seems maximum.
You'll have to use 64bit in order to use all the 4GB.

Usually you can see 3GB out of 4GB on a 32bit machine (that means there is 4-3 = 1GB system reserved) but there are always exceptions like the one you have here (4-2 = 2GB).

I guess this is it.

 

[Dude]

dude984,

Try this, Press Windows Key + R and type msconfig into the run command box.
On the "Boot" tab, click on advanced options.
Make sure the box labelled "Maximum Memory" is NOT ticked. If it is, untick, save and restart.

edit, here is my settings below.

View attachment 23345