when i bootup and go into the system settings or setup or w/e in the world its called (f2 during bootup), i have a recognized 4 gb of ram. however, when i get to the desktop vista only recognizes 3 gb under my computer. i ran some quick little memory program called viewmem and it showed the memory for dimm's 1-3, but didnt show dimm 4. im new with vista so i dont know if this is normal or what...ideas?

nobody know????

I have 4 gB on 2 computers at home (I'm on the road right now) - and Windows (either XP or Vista) will only recognize 3.26 gB. But, if your system is only recognizing 3.00 gB there's likely to be an issue with the last DIMM. Try running the built-in memory diagnostic (or this free one: http://www.memtest86.com/ ) to see if there's an issue with the last stick or the last slot.

i ran the built in memory test on the extended settings, and it freezes up at 21% everytime. after a half hour of sitting on 21%, i restarted the test, and got the same results. not sure if this helps.

i downloaded and ran the tool you recommended, after 2 passes there were no errors. that program also recognized 4 gb of ram, but once again, vista only shows 3070

I'd suspect that the last slot is bad.

Try running the tests with the last DIMM slot empty - if the Windows test completes, then you've got more evidence that it may be the slot.

Then try running the tests with a different DIMM in that slot (since you know it's good from the previous tests) - if it still passes, then it is the DIMM slot that's bad. Stay with the Windows test since it's more "finicky" than the MemTest.

Try cleaning the DIMM slot out (gently) with compressed air and maybe evan a piece of paper (use magnification to make sure all is well in the slot before you try it again).

generally i would agree with that idea. the problem is, when i was leaving only 2 gb of ram in the machine, all the slots worked. the 2gb (dual channel) was read in 1 and 2, then i restarted, and it was also read in dimms 3 and 4. it can read only 3 gb with any combination of dimms as well, it just wont go above this for some reason. plus the fact that the system setup is reading all 4 gb pre-vista loading kinda suggests that the ram is being acknowledged.

I'd suggest asking the manufacturer of the motherboard for clarification if you're sure that the slots and memory are good.

Hi Chrismo,

What is the make and model number of your system?

nevermind problem is solved. basically, because of a few of my devices (256 mb graphics card and such) my windows allocates memory. vista does this anyway and the amount varies due to your machines specs. im sure everybody knew this but i was just making sure. sorry for wastin everybodys time but hey, at least i learned something :D http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605