On a computer that has 4 gigabytes (GB) of random access memory (RAM), the System Properties dialog box and the System Information dialog box may report less memory than you expect.

This problem occurs in Windows Vista and in Windows Server 2003.

Description: When you try to install Windows Vista, you may receive an error message that resembles the following:
STOP 0×0000000A (parameter1, parameter2, parameter3, parameter4)
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
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If a computer has 4 gigabytes (GB) of random-access memory (RAM) installed, the system memory that is reported in the System Information dialog box in Windows Vista is less than you expect. For example, the System Information dialog box may report 3,120 megabytes (MB) of system memory on a computer that has 4 GB of memory installed (4,096 MB).

Note: You can access the System Information dialog box in the following ways:

• Click Start, type System in the Search box, and then click System under Programs.
• Double-click System in Control Panel.
• Click Start, right-click Computer, and then click Properties.
• Click Show more details in the Windows Vista Welcome Center window.

Who would have thought that 4GB of RAM, the most possible in a 32-bit machine, would be the sweet spot? Keep reading →

A quick look at how much memory Vista uses. Keep reading →

I’m running 2GB on two different machines, and Vista seems reasonably responsive. Keep reading →

It appears you still can’t use all of your 4GB of memory if you have that installed. Keep reading →