4 replies to this topic

[Daryl]

I have just downgraded my Acer Aspire X1300 from Windows Vista and brought a legitimate version of Windows XP Professional.

My computer is a 64-bit operating system, but Acer hasn't the drivers and utilities on their website for a 64-bit version of Windows XP, so I had to buy a 32-bit version.

These are the specs, according to system information (because I haven't a clue about it! )
Processor: AMD Phenom TM 8550 Triple Core Processor
Mainboard: Acer WMCP78M
RAM: 4GB
Video Card: N-VIDIA GeForce 9200
Sound: Realtek

I have no problems at all really, it is just that I have 4GB of Ram memory installed, and when the Vista and Windows 7 upgrade to my computer were running this showed up - however I cannot get on at all with either Vista or 7, as the sounds aren't right and games that run perfectly in XP crash on the newer OS systems, so I have 'downgraded' as it were and pleased - but getting back to the point, only 2.75GB Ram memory shows when I am running Windows XP - where is the other remaining memory gone? My 4GB are still installed but only 2.75GB show through, so if anyone has any clue what is happening, please could you let me know here and I shall get someone in the family (definitely not me!) to look into it.

Cheers in advance...

[Dougsta]

I suspect the memory isn't gone, just automatically allocated to certain hardware, even if you are not running any taxing processes on that hardware. 32-bit systems can only see a total of 4GB, after deductions for the memory of e.g. your graphics card. It's a common finding with 32-bit systems if you google it.

You really want to be on a 64-bit OS if you possibly can. Did you thoroughly investigate the problems you were having before downgrading? You should try not to go back to XP - it is past its sell-by-date and Microsoft are no longer developing it or plugging security holes.

[Guitar]

A 32 Bit o/S can only address 4GB of memory space. However certain parts of the motherboard and peripherals are mapped into locations too, so windows cant use this space as memory as it already has a function.
Usually Windows XP 32bit sees 3.25GB so I would guess the other 512MB are being used by the graphics card as "shared memory".

Don't worry too much, XP and 2.75GB is plenty anyway.

[Daryl]

Yes guitar, my computer is running as smooth as a knife through soft butter. I am certainly glad I have downgraded to be honest.

I am still getting regular updates Dougsta with Windows XP - my computer is telling me downloads are ready so they must still be caring for Windows XP mate.

[d-elliott]

if its drivers you want download driver utility from btjunkie.com install it and register with the code that comes with it and ur sorted it will look for all the out of date drivers and install new 1's