I have installed 2x2gb ram on my pc. OS is Windows XP 32bit. I understand that I will only get 3.5gb out of it. But the OS keep having faults. Every time I start or restart it goes back to window classic. Some of the software is not working properly. Is this because I installed more ram??

I know that if I use OEM version Vista 64 bit, I won't be able to upgrade my PC in the future. But does this mean I can make any changes to my system? Will it still work if I want to add more ram later on.

Help please!! Many thanks!!!

Did your computer have any issues prior to the installation of the 2x2GB ram? Also, is the frequency of both rams the same? Keep in mind that you probably wouldn't see much of a performance improvement beyond 2GB (it would be very minimal). Perhaps first try to remove one of the RAM sticks and see if your computer runs better?

What is the brand and model of your motherboard?

Did your computer have any issues prior to the installation of the 2x2GB ram?

No problems as I just installed XP and have only been using it for couple of weeks.

Also, is the frequency of both rams the same? Keep in mind that you probably wouldn't see much of a performance improvement beyond 2GB (it would be very minimal).

They are exactly the same Rams. Both Kingston Value Ram 2GB PC2 6400

Perhaps first try to remove one of the RAM sticks and see if your computer runs better?

I haven't done this yet, but will try when I get home. Maybe reinstall the XP again. I will let you know the results later.

What is the brand and model of your motherboard?

ASUS P5K/SE EPU supports upto 8GB RAM.

I am thinking about purchasing the Vista 64 bit but not sure whether getting a full version or an OEM version.

A couple thoughts here.

What is "Windows Classic"?

If you installed the RAM and it came up with 3.5Gb, then it appears it is being recognized fine, because as you note, not all of the 4Gg is seen, but obviously all the sticks are. Actually 3.5G is more than most see. That would indicate your hardware is ready for 64-bit.

You answered kaistar with,

been using it for couple of weeks

So did it work fine for the first week?

Have you scanned for malware?

Windows Classic is Windows Classic Theme.

I have been using with just the 2GB RAM for a couple of weeks. After I have installed another 2GB, then the faults started to come up. Many Softwares are not operating properly as well as the theme problems said above.

When I first install the extra RAM, I could not open the device manager. After restarting my PC, I can use the device manager again. I don't envisage this a RAM problem. I shall reinstall XP and let you guys know the results.

Wi

ndows Classic is Windows Classic Theme.

Oh! Themes! I got ya.

I don't envisage this a RAM problem

If it happened as soon as you installed the second stick, I would not rule it out. Did you try with just the new stick only?

Not yet. It seems now my PC is working fine now. Hopefully it lasts tonight. Let's see what happens.

Well, I tried to reinstall XP with both 4GB and 2GB. Nothing is working. Didn’t think there is anything wrong with the hardware. Maybe my XP disc is not being read properly. Formatting and loading setup files are fine. Faults came up during installation stage. I however, installed the XP successfully once but hardware drivers are not working properly. So I tried installing XP again and faults persisting during installation stage.

I shall try with Vista.

Hi sorry to jump in I am running 4gigs of RAM on Vista 32 bit and have not had any problems, you mentioned you were thinking of downloading XP 64 bit, I have run 64 bit Vista and have had problems of obtaining software and drivers for it and I know that that XP 64bit has a bigger problem in getting drivers and software and personally I would not advise it unless you are running your PC for business use only. I built my PC to be able to run 64bit but have been disappointed with the support from hardware and software manufacturers so have reverted back to 32bit.

I built my PC to be able to run 64bit but have been disappointed with the support from hardware and software manufacturers so have reverted back to 32bit.

As have many. It just cost too much money for developers to code for both 32-bit and 64-bit. And when 64bit runs 32-bit programs fin, but not the other way around, there is just little incentive for software makers to release in 64-bit. It is too bad. Many hardware makers are ready. Microsoft and Windows are ready, but once again, the software makers hold everyone back - with little choice if consumers are not buying. Catch-22.