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General discussion

Problem with memory'' please help

Feb 15, 2004 8:58AM PST

I purchased a computer with 256mb memory but in the start up screen and my computer properties it shows onlt 192mb. My O/S is windows XP.Please let me konw what to do?

Discussion is locked

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Re:Problem with memory'' please help
Feb 15, 2004 10:34AM PST

Tip: If you are asking for help to troubleshoot a computer-related problem, please be sure to include all the necessary information (ie: operating system, model number, hardware, software, etc) that will help others identify your problem for a speedy resolution.

You could have an onboard video that uses some of the base memory, but without a make/model of the system, I can only state the most common reason.

Bob

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Re:Problem with memory'' please help
Feb 15, 2004 3:04PM PST

i wouldnt worry its probably due to video card memory used.

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Re:Re:Problem with memory'' please help
Feb 15, 2004 9:31PM PST

On Board Video Cards use from 2 Mb to 8 Mb or more of RAM, 'stealing' some RAM for itself. Get another stick of memory. Determine which memory speed and type you have and add at least one more module - if you have room for 2, add 2. the more RAM the better. Some RAM will still be used for video, but there will be plenty left over for applications and programs. Go as high as your machine will accept in the RAM department. RAM is cheap enough. . . Check the Crucial site for prices.

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Re:Re:Re:Problem with memory'' please help
Feb 16, 2004 10:54AM PST

Actually, the newer systems include video cards with a lot more memory usage than the old 2-8meg that we used to have 3+ years ago, in this case it is almost definitely a 64meg video card stealing 64meg of memory from the main memory.

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Re:Re:Re:Re:Problem with memory'' please help
Feb 18, 2004 8:21AM PST

Is there anyway to improve the memory?

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Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Problem with memory'' please help
Feb 18, 2004 9:22PM PST

Yes, you buy more, get another 256meg, which should be plenty. With today's systems that should be under $60.

Go to www.crucial.com and look up what memory you need for your system.