Windows 7 restricting the RAM in safe mode

Asked By Tony E Duncan 30 points N/A Posted on - 09/25/2014

I am having issues with my RAM and Windows 7. I am trying to repair my computer, but when I go in safe mode to reinstall Windows 7, I get a message saying that only 256 MB of my RAM are usable. My RAM is brand new, and is a 16 GB one. Can it be that Windows 7 is restricting the RAM accessibility in safe mode, or is my RAM defective?

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Answered By points N/A #182497

Windows 7 restricting the RAM in safe mode

Hello,

There are several causes that could be the culprit of this issue.

First of all, check that the amount of RAM isn’t specified on “mscofig.exe” on Windows 7. From the Start menu, type “msconfig.exe” >> hit Enter. Open the “Boot” tab. Select your Windows 7 on the list, and click “Advanced options”. Make sure that the tick “Maximum memory” is unchecked. Press “OK”.

Next, make sure that the BIOS settings isn’t messed up. This could be possible because while you installed Windows 7 from the boot menu, you messed up something. Try to update your BIOS to the latest version. From the Command Prompt, run “wmic baseboard get product,Manufacturer,version,serialnumber”. There, you’ll find out your motherboard manufacturer and model number. From the manufacturer’s website, download the latest BIOS update according to the model number and install it.

If still no solution, check the RAM(s) installed on your system. Connect them to any other PC to check whether they’re good or not. If there’s no increased memory, the RAM is defected and needs to be replaced with a good one. If the RAM is OK, there’s something with your OS that’s messed up. Re-installing Windows 7 is recommended. Learn how to install Windows 7.

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• Posted on - 09/30/2014
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Answered By Sharath Reddy 590495 points N/A #182499

Windows 7 restricting the RAM in safe mode

I guess the reason for this is because you are using 32-bit Microsoft Windows. You see, when you are using 32-bit Microsoft Windows, be it Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7, the maximum amount of RAM that the operating system can efficiently handle is 2 GB even if you have a much higher amount like in your case, you said you have 16 GB.

If you have 16 GB RAM, the rest of the memory exceeding the 2 GB ceiling will be ignored and will not be used. It’s like totally wasting the memory because only a small portion of it is used instead of the entire capacity. If you want to fully utilize the 16 GB RAM installed on your CPU, you probably want to shift to 64-bit Microsoft Windows because this is the version that can utilize higher RAM capacities.

But in order to shift to 64-bit Microsoft Windows or 64-bit Windows 7, you probably need to change your motherboard with a 64-bit one because that’s the only time you can install a 64-bit operating system. But if you don’t want to shift to 64-bit version and you still want to reinstall Windows 7, you need to do it outside Safe mode.

Boot your computer using the Windows 7 setup CD and follow the instructions in installing Windows 7 normally. If you are still confused, you may visit Windows 7 Clean Installation.

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• Posted on - 10/22/2014
• Question Category: Windows 7