Short form: I want to use a 16GB USB flash drive memory stick as RAM, but seem to be unable to use more than 4GB, due to the system requirements, limiting what I can enter for values (size). WHY?? More detail: The computer is a desktop machine, having a 3.0GHz dual-core processor, and 4GB RAM installed. I believe the hard drive is a 1T. I have a 16GB USB flash drive memory stick, which I want to use to boost the RAM, for games, and such. There are 3 spare USB ports on the back of the tower. The flash drive is new, with NO files saved on it. When I go into the Settings; Computer; Virtual Memory, the computer is not allowing me to enter a value greater than 4096 in the field for "Initial Size" or "Maximum Size", for the Page File of the USB drive. The Value for C: that I see is: "2096-4092". Main Question: Is there some reason why I cannot allocate more of the memory stick for RAM? (Does the flash drive need to be formatted?) Does the values for C: need to be changed? I presently have "4090" entered for values "Initial Size" and "Maximum Size" in the custom size, for the Page File of the USB Drive. Screenshot provided of Virtual Memory Settings screen: (you can see the L: drive settings (selected), and the C: settings, also) http://prntscr.com/336ocy Question 2: Also, is the "4G" of RAM which I have added to the machine, being added to the 4GB which is already installed in the tower? Question 3: Does the OS wait until the system RAM is full before using the External RAM? Thanks! edit to add: What I learned from Microsoft article "How To Set Performance Options in Windows XP": http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308417/en-us To manually change the size of virtual memory, follow these steps: ... Note After you change the size of the paging file, you may be prompted to restart Windows. If you are prompted to restart, the changes will not take effect until Windows is restarted. ... To have Windows select the best paging file size, click System managed size. The recommended minimum size is the same as 1.5 times the RAM on your computer, and 3 times that figure for the maximum size. For example, if you have 256 MB of RAM, the minimum size is 384 MB, and the maximum size is 1152 MB. For best performance, do not set the initial size to less than the minimum recommended size under Total paging file size for all drives. The recommended size is the same as 1.5 times the RAM on your computer. It is good practice to leave the paging file at its recommended size as performance can decrease if a paging file is too large. However, you may increase its size if you frequently use programs that use lots of memory , such as graphics programs or games. What I am unclear of here, is that, as you can see in the screenshot, the Recommended Size under Total paging file size for all drives is 3019M. And, the values set for the Paging File in C are 2046-4092 . The tower has been rebuilt, and has 4GB RAM . I do not know if these numbers reflect an original build of 2GB, whereas 3GB (3019M) would be 1.5 times the installed RAM, perhaps. Under Virtual Memory, I see the following (shown in screenshot): Drive C Space available: 725194MB *Custom Size Initial Size: 2046 Maximum Size: 4092 Total paging file size for all Drives Minimum allowed: 2MB Recommended: 3019MB Currently Allocated: 2046MB Given that the system has 4GB RAM installed, shouldn't the minimum be 1.5 times that value, or ~6000MB ? (not 3019MB), and the maximum be 3 times ? (not 4092) "The recommended minimum size is the same as 1.5 times the RAM on your computer, and 3 times that figure for the maximum size." Can I change the values on the Virtual memory for C drive to 2046-12000MB ? That is what I am reading from the article. But, it also says to not have a paging file on the same drive as the programs. "Try to avoid having a paging file on the same drive as the system files, usually drive C." Also, why am I unable to enter values greater than 4096 for the USB drive in Initial or Maximum? I also have a question as to whether I should select "Programs" or "System Cache" in memory usage, due to the cache requirements of games, running very few programs. edit 2: I learned that the usb drive needs to be formatted in NTFS, so I did that, which isn't easy, as that isn't a selection in the choices in the Format menu, without going into Device Mgr. A friend was telling me about formatting a usb drive ex-fat for a newer application, and got me thinking. I had selected FAT32 for this one, and had noticed no change in the page file graph usage after adding the drive, like it wasn't getting any data placed on it. So, as custom settings for this USB drive, I have the Initial value at 4091 and the Maximum at 4096, with "System Cache" selected as opposed to "Programs" in Memory usage, in Performance settings. Any answers or tips would be appreciated. Am I on the right track?

Upon a reboot, I observed the BIOS POST screen, and saw "4062MB Memory OK" and "4096MB Memory Installed". Is that a typo? The Memory OK should be the same as Memory Installed. John

That is not a typo. I am quite sure that is what was displayed. And, I have just edited my last comment (prior to yours about the memory). I did not notice a new comment from you, John. Looking back through my notes (and I believe it is posted in our long thread here, somewhere), I have written: 2014MB Memory OK Installed Memory size 2040MB. I can reboot and look again. Is there a way to get the BIOS POST message screen to pause, so that I can read everything there? I have turned off fast post, but still, not being familiar with the page, there is a lot of information listed there, and not much time to see it. edit: I took a picture with my phone of the POST message a few days ago, and it showed: 2014MB Memory OK 2048MB Installed Memory So, the numbers from today (4062/4096) minus those previous numbers: 4062-2014=2048 would indicate that the NEW RAM did indeed install all 2048MB. Is there a memory test that I should be performing? I should have noted the discrepancy days ago, I suppose the term 'OK' gave me a false impression, and everything seemed to be ok (relatively speaking). Everything is definitely NOT 'OK' now.

edit to add: Well, the ss of the task mgr will not load onto the webpage. It shows Peak: 3957624 Total 3616024 Avail 190772 Memuse.txt (after system reboot and pause for settling) svchost.exe 1336 Console 0 14,828 K TimesUpKidzServer.exe 1544 Console 0 13,872 K avgidsagent.exe 1636 Console 0 11,244 K explorer.exe 3380 Console 0 9,116 K avgwdsvc.exe 1792 Console 0 8,816 K avgui.exe 3856 Console 0 8,640 K Lightshot.exe 3944 Console 0 7,644 K avgrsx.exe 676 Console 0 7,024 K wmiprvse.exe 2852 Console 0 5,884 K tasklist.exe 4056 Console 0 4,600 K avgcsrvx.exe 2072 Console 0 4,188 K cmd.exe 2352 Console 0 3,980 K avgnsx.exe 2004 Console 0 3,856 K sort.exe 2876 Console 0 2,344 K vprot.exe 3684 Console 0 2,120 K csrss.exe 920 Console 0 1,892 K svchost.exe 1176 Console 0 1,624 K svchost.exe 1240 Console 0 1,508 K lsass.exe 1000 Console 0 1,492 K jqs.exe 1948 Console 0 1,436 K FacebookUpdate.exe 3896 Console 0 1,424 K igfxsrvc.exe 3660 Console 0 1,272 K TeamViewer_Service.exe 1476 Console 0 1,264 K services.exe 988 Console 0 1,236 K SeaPort.exe 1328 Console 0 1,172 K winlogon.exe 944 Console 0 1,168 K igfxpers.exe 3612 Console 0 1,148 K hkcmd.exe 3580 Console 0 1,024 K igfxtray.exe 3572 Console 0 1,012 K svchost.exe 1432 Console 0 1,008 K RTHDCPL.EXE 3716 Console 0 924 K avgemcx.exe 2020 Console 0 916 K jusched.exe 3876 Console 0 868 K svchost.exe 3884 Console 0 832 K spoolsv.exe 1600 Console 0 660 K dragon_updater.exe 1876 Console 0 648 K ctfmon.exe 3988 Console 0 564 K notepad.exe 2824 Console 0 552 K alg.exe 2536 Console 0 512 K avgcsrvx.exe 716 Console 0 396 K svchost.exe 1376 Console 0 216 K HPZipm12.exe 1192 Console 0 216 K smss.exe 636 Console 0 60 K mbamscheduler.exe 140 Console 0 56 K System 4 Console 0 56 K System Idle Process 0 Console 0 28 K ========================= ====== ================ ======== ============ Image Name PID Session Name Session# Mem Usage services.txt (same reboot with pause) These Windows services are started: Application Layer Gateway Service Automatic Updates AVG WatchDog AVGIDSAgent COM+ Event System COMODO Dragon Update Service Computer Browser Cryptographic Services DCOM Server Process Launcher DHCP Client DNS Client Event Log Fast User Switching Compatibility IPSEC Services Java Quick Starter MBAMScheduler Network Connections Network Location Awareness (NLA) Plug and Play Pml Driver HPZ12 Print Spooler Protected Storage Remote Access Connection Manager Remote Procedure Call (RPC) SeaPort Secondary Logon Security Accounts Manager Security Center Server Shell Hardware Detection SSDP Discovery Service System Event Notification System Restore Service TeamViewer 9 Telephony Terminal Services Themes TimesUpKidz Windows Audio Windows Driver Foundation - User-mode Driver Framework Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) Windows Management Instrumentation Wireless Zero Configuration Workstation The command completed successfully. Image Name PID Services ========================= ====== ============================================= System Idle Process 0 N/A System 4 N/A smss.exe 636 N/A avgrsx.exe 676 N/A avgcsrvx.exe 716 N/A csrss.exe 920 N/A winlogon.exe 944 N/A services.exe 988 Eventlog, PlugPlay lsass.exe 1000 PolicyAgent, ProtectedStorage, SamSs svchost.exe 1176 DcomLaunch, TermService svchost.exe 1240 RpcSs svchost.exe 1336 AudioSrv, Browser, CryptSvc, Dhcp, EventSystem, FastUserSwitchingCompatibility, lanmanserver, lanmanworkstation, Netman, Nla, RasMan, seclogon, SENS, SharedAccess, ShellHWDetection, srservice, TapiSrv, Themes, winmgmt, wscsvc, wuauserv, WZCSVC svchost.exe 1376 WudfSvc svchost.exe 1432 Dnscache spoolsv.exe 1600 Spooler avgidsagent.exe 1636 AVGIDSAgent avgwdsvc.exe 1792 avgwd dragon_updater.exe 1876 DragonUpdater jqs.exe 1948 JavaQuickStarterService avgnsx.exe 2004 N/A avgemcx.exe 2020 N/A mbamscheduler.exe 140 MBAMScheduler HPZipm12.exe 1192 Pml Driver HPZ12 SeaPort.exe 1328 SeaPort TeamViewer_Service.exe 1476 TeamViewer9 TimesUpKidzServer.exe 1544 TimesUpKidz avgcsrvx.exe 2072 N/A alg.exe 2536 ALG explorer.exe 3380 N/A igfxtray.exe 3572 N/A hkcmd.exe 3580 N/A igfxpers.exe 3612 N/A igfxsrvc.exe 3660 N/A vprot.exe 3684 N/A RTHDCPL.EXE 3716 N/A avgui.exe 3856 N/A jusched.exe 3876 N/A svchost.exe 3884 SSDPSRV FacebookUpdate.exe 3896 N/A Lightshot.exe 3944 N/A ctfmon.exe 3988 N/A cmd.exe 2352 N/A tasklist.exe 3556 N/A wmiprvse.exe 2772 N/A

In addition to attempting System Restore (see previous posts), I tried to run 'system file checker', by typing sfc /scannow in a Command Prompt console. This failed to complete, giving the message "Files that are required for Windows to run properly must be copied to the DLL Cache." Insert your Windows XP Home Edition CD_ROM now. 'SKIP' I was hoping that this process would complete.

Yeah, I hadn't noticed the discrepancy when I read the post. Just to be sure I would run a quick memory test on the RAM. The Windows Memory Diagnostic utility is easy and fast to use for basic testing, if it passes the test then it should be fine. Usually RAM is better, more reliably tested one stick at a time but for quick test you can test with both stick installed. Note that the Windows Memory Diagnostic utility cannot test more than 4GB. Download the file then save the CD .iso image to disk and burn it to CD then reboot the computer with the CD and run the test. John

Having trouble: Adding RAM with a USB memory stick to a Windows XP desktop that has 4GB installed

Anonymous

Short form:

I want to use a 16GB USB flash drive memory stick as RAM, but seem to be unable to use more than 4GB, due to the system requirements, limiting what I can enter for values (size). WHY??

More detail:

The computer is a desktop machine, having a 3.0GHz dual-core processor, and 4GB RAM installed. I believe the hard drive is a 1T.

I have a 16GB USB flash drive memory stick, which I want to use to boost the RAM, for games, and such. There are 3 spare USB ports on the back of the tower. The flash drive is new, with NO files saved on it.

When I go into the Settings; Computer; Virtual Memory, the computer is not allowing me to enter a value greater than 4096 in the field for "Initial Size" or "Maximum Size", for the Page File of the USB drive.

The Value for C: that I see is: "2096-4092".

Main Question:

Is there some reason why I cannot allocate more of the memory stick for RAM?

(Does the flash drive need to be formatted?)

Does the values for C: need to be changed?

I presently have "4090" entered for values "Initial Size" and "Maximum Size" in the custom size, for the Page File of the USB Drive.

Screenshot provided of Virtual Memory Settings screen: (you can see the L: drive settings (selected), and the C: settings, also)

http://prntscr.com/336ocy

Question 2:

Also, is the "4G" of RAM which I have added to the machine, being added to the 4GB which is already installed in the tower?

Question 3:

Does the OS wait until the system RAM is full before using the External RAM?

Thanks!

edit to add:

What I learned from Microsoft article "How To Set Performance Options in Windows XP":

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308417/en-us

To manually change the size of virtual memory, follow these steps:

...Note After you change the size of the paging file, you may be prompted to restart Windows. If you are prompted to restart, the changes will not take effect until Windows is restarted.

...

To have Windows select the best paging file size, click System managed size. The recommended minimum size is the same as 1.5 times the RAM on your computer, and 3 times that figure for the maximum size. For example, if you have 256 MB of RAM, the minimum size is 384 MB, and the maximum size is 1152 MB.
For best performance, do not set the initial size to less than the minimum recommended size under Total paging file size for all drives. The recommended size is the same as 1.5 times the RAM on your computer. It is good practice to leave the paging file at its recommended size as performance can decrease if a paging file is too large. However, you may increase its size if you frequently use programs that use lots of memory, such as graphics programs or games.

What I am unclear of here, is that, as you can see in the screenshot, the Recommended Size under Total paging file size for all drives is 3019M.

And, the values set for the Paging File in C are 2046-4092.

The tower has been rebuilt, and has 4GB RAM.

I do not know if these numbers reflect an original build of 2GB, whereas 3GB (3019M) would be 1.5 times the installed RAM, perhaps.

Under Virtual Memory, I see the following (shown in screenshot):

Drive C

Space available: 725194MB

*Custom Size

Initial Size: 2046

Maximum Size: 4092

Total paging file size for all Drives

Minimum allowed: 2MB

Recommended: 3019MB

Currently Allocated: 2046MB

Given that the system has 4GB RAM installed, shouldn't the minimum be 1.5 times that value, or ~6000MB ? (not 3019MB), and the maximum be 3 times ? (not 4092)

"The recommended minimum size is the same as 1.5 times the RAM on your computer, and 3 times that figure for the maximum size."

Can I change the values on the Virtual memory for C drive to 2046-12000MB ?

That is what I am reading from the article. But, it also says to not have a paging file on the same drive as the programs.

"Try to avoid having a paging file on the same drive as the system files, usually drive C."

Also, why am I unable to enter values greater than 4096 for the USB drive in Initial or Maximum?

I also have a question as to whether I should select "Programs" or "System Cache" in memory usage, due to the cache requirements of games, running very few programs.

edit 2:

I learned that the usb drive needs to be formatted in NTFS, so I did that, which isn't easy, as that isn't a selection in the choices in the Format menu, without going into Device Mgr.

A friend was telling me about formatting a usb drive ex-fat for a newer application, and got me thinking. I had selected FAT32 for this one, and had noticed no change in the page file graph usage after adding the drive, like it wasn't getting any data placed on it.

So, as custom settings for this USB drive, I have the Initial value at 4091 and the Maximum at 4096, with "System Cache" selected as opposed to "Programs" in Memory usage, in Performance settings.

Any answers or tips would be appreciated.

Am I on the right track?

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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149 answers

Anonymous

2014-03-30T14:04:32+00:00

Upon a reboot, I observed the BIOS POST screen, and saw "4062MB Memory OK" and "4096MB Memory Installed".

Is that a typo? The Memory OK should be the same as Memory Installed.

John
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Anonymous

2014-03-30T20:16:32+00:00

That is not a typo. I am quite sure that is what was displayed.

And, I have just edited my last comment (prior to yours about the memory). I did not notice a new comment from you, John.

Looking back through my notes (and I believe it is posted in our long thread here, somewhere), I have written:

2014MB Memory OK Installed Memory size 2040MB.

I can reboot and look again.

Is there a way to get the BIOS POST message screen to pause, so that I can read everything there? I have turned off fast post, but still, not being familiar with the page, there is a lot of information listed there, and not much time to see it.

edit:

I took a picture with my phone of the POST message a few days ago, and it showed:

2014MB Memory OK 2048MB Installed Memory

So, the numbers from today (4062/4096) minus those previous numbers:

4062-2014=2048 would indicate that the NEW RAM did indeed install all 2048MB.

Is there a memory test that I should be performing?

I should have noted the discrepancy days ago, I suppose the term 'OK' gave me a false impression, and everything seemed to be ok (relatively speaking).

Everything is definitely NOT 'OK' now.
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Anonymous

2014-03-30T20:21:30+00:00

edit to add:

Well, the ss of the task mgr will not load onto the webpage.

It shows

Peak: 3957624

Total 3616024

Avail 190772

Memuse.txt (after system reboot and pause for settling)

svchost.exe 1336 Console 0 14,828 K

TimesUpKidzServer.exe 1544 Console 0 13,872 K

avgidsagent.exe 1636 Console 0 11,244 K

explorer.exe 3380 Console 0 9,116 K

avgwdsvc.exe 1792 Console 0 8,816 K

avgui.exe 3856 Console 0 8,640 K

Lightshot.exe 3944 Console 0 7,644 K

avgrsx.exe 676 Console 0 7,024 K

wmiprvse.exe 2852 Console 0 5,884 K

tasklist.exe 4056 Console 0 4,600 K

avgcsrvx.exe 2072 Console 0 4,188 K

cmd.exe 2352 Console 0 3,980 K

avgnsx.exe 2004 Console 0 3,856 K

sort.exe 2876 Console 0 2,344 K

vprot.exe 3684 Console 0 2,120 K

csrss.exe 920 Console 0 1,892 K

svchost.exe 1176 Console 0 1,624 K

svchost.exe 1240 Console 0 1,508 K

lsass.exe 1000 Console 0 1,492 K

jqs.exe 1948 Console 0 1,436 K

FacebookUpdate.exe 3896 Console 0 1,424 K

igfxsrvc.exe 3660 Console 0 1,272 K

TeamViewer_Service.exe 1476 Console 0 1,264 K

services.exe 988 Console 0 1,236 K

SeaPort.exe 1328 Console 0 1,172 K

winlogon.exe 944 Console 0 1,168 K

igfxpers.exe 3612 Console 0 1,148 K

hkcmd.exe 3580 Console 0 1,024 K

igfxtray.exe 3572 Console 0 1,012 K

svchost.exe 1432 Console 0 1,008 K

RTHDCPL.EXE 3716 Console 0 924 K

avgemcx.exe 2020 Console 0 916 K

jusched.exe 3876 Console 0 868 K

svchost.exe 3884 Console 0 832 K

spoolsv.exe 1600 Console 0 660 K

dragon_updater.exe 1876 Console 0 648 K

ctfmon.exe 3988 Console 0 564 K

notepad.exe 2824 Console 0 552 K

alg.exe 2536 Console 0 512 K

avgcsrvx.exe 716 Console 0 396 K

svchost.exe 1376 Console 0 216 K

HPZipm12.exe 1192 Console 0 216 K

smss.exe 636 Console 0 60 K

mbamscheduler.exe 140 Console 0 56 K

System 4 Console 0 56 K

System Idle Process 0 Console 0 28 K

========================= ====== ================ ======== ============

Image Name PID Session Name Session# Mem Usage

services.txt (same reboot with pause)

These Windows services are started:

Application Layer Gateway Service

Automatic Updates

AVG WatchDog

AVGIDSAgent

COM+ Event System

COMODO Dragon Update Service

Computer Browser

Cryptographic Services

DCOM Server Process Launcher

DHCP Client

DNS Client

Event Log

Fast User Switching Compatibility

IPSEC Services

Java Quick Starter

MBAMScheduler

Network Connections

Network Location Awareness (NLA)

Plug and Play

Pml Driver HPZ12

Print Spooler

Protected Storage

Remote Access Connection Manager

Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

SeaPort

Secondary Logon

Security Accounts Manager

Security Center

Server

Shell Hardware Detection

SSDP Discovery Service

System Event Notification

System Restore Service

TeamViewer 9

Telephony

Terminal Services

Themes

TimesUpKidz

Windows Audio

Windows Driver Foundation - User-mode Driver Framework

Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)

Windows Management Instrumentation

Wireless Zero Configuration

Workstation

The command completed successfully.

Image Name PID Services

========================= ====== =============================================

System Idle Process 0 N/A

System 4 N/A

smss.exe 636 N/A

avgrsx.exe 676 N/A

avgcsrvx.exe 716 N/A

csrss.exe 920 N/A

winlogon.exe 944 N/A

services.exe 988 Eventlog, PlugPlay

lsass.exe 1000 PolicyAgent, ProtectedStorage, SamSs

svchost.exe 1176 DcomLaunch, TermService

svchost.exe 1240 RpcSs

svchost.exe 1336 AudioSrv, Browser, CryptSvc, Dhcp,

EventSystem, FastUserSwitchingCompatibility,

lanmanserver, lanmanworkstation, Netman,

Nla, RasMan, seclogon, SENS, SharedAccess,

ShellHWDetection, srservice, TapiSrv,

Themes, winmgmt, wscsvc, wuauserv, WZCSVC

svchost.exe 1376 WudfSvc

svchost.exe 1432 Dnscache

spoolsv.exe 1600 Spooler

avgidsagent.exe 1636 AVGIDSAgent

avgwdsvc.exe 1792 avgwd

dragon_updater.exe 1876 DragonUpdater

jqs.exe 1948 JavaQuickStarterService

avgnsx.exe 2004 N/A

avgemcx.exe 2020 N/A

mbamscheduler.exe 140 MBAMScheduler

HPZipm12.exe 1192 Pml Driver HPZ12

SeaPort.exe 1328 SeaPort

TeamViewer_Service.exe 1476 TeamViewer9

TimesUpKidzServer.exe 1544 TimesUpKidz

avgcsrvx.exe 2072 N/A

alg.exe 2536 ALG

explorer.exe 3380 N/A

igfxtray.exe 3572 N/A

hkcmd.exe 3580 N/A

igfxpers.exe 3612 N/A

igfxsrvc.exe 3660 N/A

vprot.exe 3684 N/A

RTHDCPL.EXE 3716 N/A

avgui.exe 3856 N/A

jusched.exe 3876 N/A

svchost.exe 3884 SSDPSRV

FacebookUpdate.exe 3896 N/A

Lightshot.exe 3944 N/A

ctfmon.exe 3988 N/A

cmd.exe 2352 N/A

tasklist.exe 3556 N/A

wmiprvse.exe 2772 N/A
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Anonymous

2014-03-30T22:02:04+00:00

In addition to attempting System Restore (see previous posts), I tried to run 'system file checker', by typing sfc /scannow in a Command Prompt console.

This failed to complete, giving the message "Files that are required for Windows to run properly must be copied to the DLL Cache."

Insert your Windows XP Home Edition CD_ROM now.

'SKIP'

I was hoping that this process would complete.
Was this answer helpful?

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Anonymous

2014-03-31T00:07:20+00:00

Yeah, I hadn't noticed the discrepancy when I read the post. Just to be sure I would run a quick memory test on the RAM. The Windows Memory Diagnostic utility is easy and fast to use for basic testing, if it passes the test then it should be fine. Usually RAM is better, more reliably tested one stick at a time but for quick test you can test with both stick installed. Note that the Windows Memory Diagnostic utility cannot test more than 4GB. Download the file then save the CD .iso image to disk and burn it to CD then reboot the computer with the CD and run the test.

John
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0 comments No comments