[RESOLVED] RAM Question Windows 7 Professional 32 bit

I have not been on here for quite awhile but I have always remembered I always get a correct answer. I have Windows 7 Professional running 32 bit and had an additional 4gb of ram installed. I now have 8gb ram. On "my computer" properties it shows "Installed memory 8.00 GB ( 3.50 GB usable). Am I getting the full benefit of having 8gb of RAM

Thanks for your help.

You would need to be using the 64 bit version of Windows 7 to take advantage of more than 3.5 GB of RAM.

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Am I getting the full benefit of having 8gb of RAM

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No. This is the same for any 32-bit OS.

http://www.crucial.com/support/recognize_memory.aspx

Thanks for the reply. I kind of thought that may be the case. Does the Windows 7 Disc give you the option to install 64bit?

The Retail version should have come with both 32 and 64-bit.

However, you can't just upgrade to 64-bit. You would need to do a clean install.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...sked-questions

What do I need to do if i do this myself? Can I insert the cd and let it format my disk and let it install the 64 bit version?

How To Clean Install Windows 7

Of course, make sure you use the 64-bit DVD.

If you have any data, back it up before you format. You'll also want to look for the 64-bit drivers for your hardware and download them now. You don't want to be hunting for "unknown devices" after the format.

I do have my data backed up. How do i know what 64 bit drivers i need? DO i install them while still in 32 bit mode?

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How do i know what 64 bit drivers i need?

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Look in your Device Manager for what you currently have installed. Go to the individual manufacturer's websites and download the 64-bit versions of the drivers. Video, MB chipset, audio, network, etc.

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DO i install them while still in 32 bit mode?

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No. You can't install 64-bit drivers on a 32-bit OS.
Save them to a flash drive or external hard drive. Load them after you finish installing Windows.

Thank you for all of your help, I appreciate it.

FWIW, I've used 64-bit Vista, then Win7 since 2006, and I've had no issues with getting hold of drivers :) You may find this useful:

http://discussions.virtualdr.com/sho...d.php?t=241840

Thanks for the link to the previous discussion.

Wanted to let you know I am up and running with Windows 7 Professional with 64 Bit. All drivers are updated and everything so far is running fine.

I'm very glad to hear it. Thanks for posting back and letting us know :)