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    Windows XP Memory Access

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by TheGOG, Oct 9, 2008.

  1. TheGOG

    TheGOG Notebook Geek

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    Can Windows XP (32 bit version) handle 4 GB of memory?
     
    TheGOG, Oct 9, 2008
    #1
  2. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    Nope. Cannot use the whole 4GB.

    (force enable PAE --> :no:)
     
    Andy, Oct 9, 2008
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  3. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    It begs the question, what are you running that requires more than 3 GBs of memory?
     
    surfasb, Oct 9, 2008
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  4. TheGOG

    TheGOG Notebook Geek

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    I have a notebook that I want to dual boot between vista and XP, and it comes with 4GB memory. Can Vista 64 bit version run with only 3 GB?
     
    TheGOG, Oct 9, 2008
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  5. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    Vista 64 will run fine even with 1GB RAM.

    Basically, to fully utilise 4GB, you need Vista 64 (or a 64-bit OS).
     
    Andy, Oct 9, 2008
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  6. vicariouscheese

    vicariouscheese Notebook Consultant

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    64bit operating system = up to 128gigs of access (i think)
    32bit operating system = up to 4gigs of access, but since hardware takes anywhere from .25 to 1gig of it, you can only use about 3gigs ram
     
    vicariouscheese, Oct 9, 2008
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  7. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    64 bit OS can theoretically address 2^64 address, which is about 16 MILLION terabytes. So we should be good for a while.
     
    surfasb, Oct 9, 2008
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  8. TheGOG

    TheGOG Notebook Geek

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    Does this mean I can install XP on 4 GB, and just let it use 1 GIG?
     
    TheGOG, Oct 9, 2008
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  9. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    XP can ony address 3gb~ max so if you put anymore RAM than that, it just wont be able to read it.
     
    flipfire, Oct 9, 2008
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  10. TheGOG

    TheGOG Notebook Geek

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    So, no matter how much RAM is in, it'll only recognize up to 3GB? and will install and run normal.
     
    TheGOG, Oct 9, 2008
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  11. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    XP 32-bit will recognise anywhere from 2.5-3.75GB RAM depending upon the H/W configuration of your notebook. Everything will run normally.
     
    Andy, Oct 10, 2008
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  12. TheGOG

    TheGOG Notebook Geek

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    So that means if I have 4gb or more of ram, when i install XP it'll only recognize up to 3.75 GB and install on that.
     
    TheGOG, Oct 10, 2008
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  13. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    Installation has got nothing to do with RAM and 4GB, etc. After installation, when loading windows, the RAM comes into play.
    Yes, you will see anywhere upto 3.75GB in a 32-bit OS.
     
    Andy, Oct 10, 2008
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  14. TheGOG

    TheGOG Notebook Geek

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    Thanks for the info, I was basically afraid windows would blow up on the install 'cause of the RAM. Thanks again all.
     
    TheGOG, Oct 10, 2008
    #14