I was shocked to discover yesterday that my 4GB desktop computer was using just 2GB. To see this for yourself, follow these steps:
1. Right-click the Computer icon on the Windows 7 desktop.
2. From the shortcut menu, choose Properties.
3. Notice the amount of Installed Memory (RAM).
In my case, it read:
But my computer ran 7 on a motherboard that supports many gigabytes of RAM, and is a 64-bit system -- OS and CPU.
Solution
I dug around numerous forums, but most people with this under-used RAM problem had systems with the three limitations listed above. Finally, I came across a solution that worked:
1. Run msconfig.
2. Choose the Boot tab.
3. Click the Advanced Options button.
4. Turn off the Maximum Memory option*.
5. Close the dialog boxes, and then reboot the system.
*) Do not set the maximum memory manually. For instance, I entered 4096, but when I rebooted, only 3GB were usable. Be sure to turn off the Maximum Memory option.
1. Right-click the Computer icon on the Windows 7 desktop.
2. From the shortcut menu, choose Properties.
3. Notice the amount of Installed Memory (RAM).
In my case, it read:
Installed Memory (RAM): 4GB installed (2GB usable)Yikes! The problem is common to older operating systems, older motherboards, and 32-bit systems. Windows XP and older supports at most 3GB. Older motherboards support as little as 1GB.
But my computer ran 7 on a motherboard that supports many gigabytes of RAM, and is a 64-bit system -- OS and CPU.
Solution
I dug around numerous forums, but most people with this under-used RAM problem had systems with the three limitations listed above. Finally, I came across a solution that worked:
1. Run msconfig.
2. Choose the Boot tab.
3. Click the Advanced Options button.
4. Turn off the Maximum Memory option*.
5. Close the dialog boxes, and then reboot the system.
*) Do not set the maximum memory manually. For instance, I entered 4096, but when I rebooted, only 3GB were usable. Be sure to turn off the Maximum Memory option.
Comments