Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

js81

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Dec 31, 2008
1,199
16
KY
OK, so I have a new 15" i7. Installed 32-bit Windows Vista Ultimate (already had a license, so that's why I've got 32-bit and not 64) and it only recognizes a little over 2.2GB of my 4GB of RAM. I tried XP Pro. (32-bit also) and it did the same thing. Has anyone else seen this? Is there anything I can do (other than get and install 64-bit)? Thanks!
 
Yeah, I'm familiar with that. BUT every other machine with 4GB I've used 32-bit Windows on recognizes something like 3.3GB (including my 13" MBP that I just sold to buy this one).
 
Yeah, I'm familiar with that. BUT every other machine with 4GB I've used 32-bit Windows on recognizes something like 3.3GB (including my 13" MBP that I just sold to buy this one).

That's why I linked to that article:

So I search around a little to find some real-world experiences for people with 4GB installed:

This guy had 3.2GB available.
People here had 2GB, 3.58GB, and 3GB available.
This guy had 2.5 GB.
And this guy had 2.8GB available.

It seems, there are various reports on various recognised RAM amounts.
 
Same issue too. ( also 2010 15 inch MBP )

People told me it was something to do with Apple's EFI.

Later I'm going to delete my Windows 7 partition and install Windows 7 64-bit.
 
Believe it may be the video card. The nVidia driver (and yes, I updated it to the newest version) says it is "borrowing" an additional ~800MB. That would bump it up to all little over 3GB. I just can't find a way to disable that... (I think the 512MB dedicated will be plenty).
 
You should be able to use your current product key of Windows Vista 32-bit and install Windows Vista 64-bit. The product key only distinguishes between different product types, such as Home Premium or Business, not by whether it's 32-bit or 64-bit.

I've used a key that was provided by Windows 7 Professional 32 and installed and activated Windows 7 Professional 64.
 
You should be able to use your current product key of Windows Vista 32-bit and install Windows Vista 64-bit.

Note also that in Vista all 32 bit discs are equivalent as are all 64 bit discs. The version is specified by your product key only.

I'm not finding quickly a legit source to the ISO besides TechNet, but if you know someone who has a disc or can find an ISO you should be able to install the 64 bit one.

B
 
Actually the 32 bit and 64 bit discs are different, However, 32 bit discs have all versions (home, business, ultimate) and 64 bit discs have all versions too. A key that works on 32 bit will also work on 64 bit, so OP, you just need a 64 bit disc. You can download off the net and use your key.


Note also that in Vista all 32 bit discs are equivalent as are all 64 bit discs. The version is specified by your product key only.

I'm not finding quickly a legit source to the ISO besides TechNet, but if you know someone who has a disc or can find an ISO you should be able to install the 64 bit one.

B
 
Actually the 32 bit and 64 bit discs are different,

That's what I said: All 32 bit are equivalent. All 64 bit are equivalent. I did not say 32 and 64 bit were equivalent. Read it carefully. :p

EDIT: If I had meant what you interpreted why would I be telling the OP to borrow a disk or download one when the OP already has a 32 bit one? ;)

B
 
I mis-remembered like roger clemens and andy petite :D

That's what I said: All 32 bit are equivalent. All 64 bit are equivalent. I did not say 32 and 64 bit were equivalent. Read it carefully. :p

EDIT: If I had meant what you interpreted why would I be telling the OP to borrow a disk or download one when the OP already has a 32 bit one? ;)

B
 
Thanks for all the help, y'all. Oh, and I love "mis-remembering" - happens to me all the time.

Vista Service Pack fixed it, BTW. Just a reporting error because of the extra shared video RAM. :)
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.