Windows 7 Ultimate x64 - Installed memory 4GB (3GB usable)

Anonymous
2009-11-05T13:43:36+00:00

I have installed Windows 7 Ultimate x64. In System Properties, Windows tells me I have 4Gb RAM but only 3Gb is usable, displayed in the following format:

Installed memory (RAM): 4.00 GB (3.00 GB usable)

Previous to this installation, I had Vista Ultimate x64 installed and that always showed 4GB and all of it was usuable. What is it about Windows 7 that has changed this? If this is indeed a problem caused by BIOS settings, I have not altered them in any way so does this mean that Windows 7 changes the BIOS settings at the point of install?

I do not believe this to be related to some memory being allocated to my Graphics Card, it already has 512MB of dedicated memory. Why would Windows 7 assign it another 1GB of RAM, giving me a total of 1.5GB graphics memory? As I said, this was NEVER a problem on Vista Ultimate x64.

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Anonymous
2009-11-16T03:11:56+00:00

Hello AshK86,

Thank you for posting on Microsoft Answers Forums.

Can you list what model motherboard, processor and graphics card you are using?  The “Hardware or BIOS reserved” is pointing towards the type of motherboard you have.  I know you said you didn’t see this with Vista, but let’s make sure we rule it out just in case.

Regards,

Edgar

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-05-03T17:26:33+00:00

    Go to Start > Search msconfig > Boot > advanced options > Change maximum memory for the memory that you want to use. Done.

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-04-13T00:32:01+00:00

    I aslo have the 4gb (3 Usable) situation, Already tried that guys go to msconfig,boot, adv. options & unchecked Max Mem. restarted, DID NOTHING, but I was smart about it i also tried to check the box put in 4096 restart, And still NOTHING....

    BUTTT I thougth what LBJGH said MIGHT work for me. I went to resource monitor, and guess what 1026mb was set aside (HARDWARE RESERVED), The problem is where is where is the "use max memory" button to unselect? WHERE IS IT ERRR! Ive been looking on the Res. Man. for hours and can not find it.

    I have a ATI radeon HD 4650 graphics card 1g of memory so I know its not going their. But kinda wierd if your thory is wrong I was in device manager looking for hardware stealing my ram and I came across this set up.

    IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers

    ATA Channel 0

    ATA Channel 0

    ATA Channel 1

    ATA Channel 2

    ATA Channel 3

    Intel R(Irrelevent)

    Standard AHCI(Irrelevent)

    Now What is intresting if i click 0-3 and go to  Properties / Advanced Settings / Device Properties/.. Enable DMA mode is checked (DMA Direct Memory Access) Are these theifs stealing my 1g of ram and shouild I uncheck these boxes? Or am I that stupid because DMA has nothing to do with ram?

    I have Window 7 64 bit hyperthreading 3.99g. Max Mem. Dell Says I can have is 4G which I could probally have more now since the upgrade to 64bit info.

    Dell Dimension 8400 Seires So Bios Sux No overclocking capabilities or Mem. Reamp

    It be greatly appriciated if you could get back to me ASAP and tell me where this secret "use max memory" button is hiding srry for the mispelling and thank you very much JOYKILL>

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-04-04T03:41:28+00:00

    Hello, I got installed Windows 7 32 bit, with 16Gb of RAM, and thi what i can use as a free memory 3,71Gb, how can that be? it's just to much for Software & Hardware use, I search in forums around the internet, and many answers but no solution, I acces the bios for maximum memory solution, nothing makes a real solution. What you can do for this item?

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-09-06T23:41:57+00:00

    Hi,

    Due to the age of the thread and to avoid confusion, I would recommend starting your own question so that the community can best focus on your specific issue.

    Thanks for using Microsoft Answers!

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