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1 Rookie

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3 Posts

58

September 22nd, 2024 02:06

Inspiron 546, 3.24 usable memory max a11bios

I recently installed new memory in the old girl to try to get a little more out of her. 4@2gb installed no problem but Windows reports 8gb of ram but only 3.24 available. Then updated the BIOS from A09 to A11 and problem persists. Remove two ram sticks and replace with old 1gbs for 6gb total, windows reports 6gb of ram but only 3.24 available. Remove other two new sticks and replace with old 1gbs for 4gb total again, Windows reports 4gb of ram but only 3.24 available. No further BIOS updates. No more ideas. Help!

Thanks. Brian

9 Legend

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8.1K Posts

September 22nd, 2024 02:22

You are using a 32-bit operating system.  Upgrading to 64-bit will allow full access to memory capacity.

7 Technologist

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9.1K Posts

September 23rd, 2024 03:37

That's ok.  I didn't see Chino's post while working on mine.  Yes, make sure the OS is 64-bit and not 32-bit.  32-bit is limited to 4GB.

7 Technologist

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9.1K Posts

September 22nd, 2024 02:25

There's no Optiplex 546.  There is an Inspiron 546 that takes AMD CPU's.

A few ideas:

  1. Meanwhile, try Update Hardware in Device Manager
  2. Replace the size 2032 CMOS battery and do a BIOS reset.
  3. Windows may need reloading.  If it comes to that, do so with a flash drive formatted to FAT32 and loaded with Windows from the Microsoft site.

(edited)

1 Rookie

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3 Posts

September 22nd, 2024 14:30

Yes, Inspiron, not optiplex. Sorry

1 Rookie

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3 Posts

September 23rd, 2024 13:00

Thanks folks. Problem was indeed the 32-bit system

7 Technologist

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9.1K Posts

September 24th, 2024 02:47

You're welcome.  :)

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