Windows 10: Only 4GB RAM usable out of 16? -- using Windows 10 64 bit

So I bought this computer used and just noticed that there is only 4GB of RAM available while the other 12GB is "hardware reserved". I've searched around and tried a few things but nothing is working so far. Here's what I've come up with so far:

• I've updated the BIOS for motherboard, which is an MSI 970 gaming motherboard.
• Despite what others have suggested, it is not possible to remap the memory for this BIOS.
• I've tried changing BIOS settings, as well as changing the "maximum memory" setting through msconfig -> boot -> advanced options.

Here are my specs via Speccy:
http://speccy.piriform.com/results/2...YGUbhJRVhDzkeM

My .txt file from running CPU-Z (MSI Version) should be attached.


Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

:)

 

1.71gb Usable RAM of 4gb

Hi,

Thank you for the reply and update.

You cannot upgrade to 64 bit OS from a 32 bit OS. To install a 64-bit version of Windows 10 on a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows, you'll need to start, or boot, your computer using a 64-bit Windows 10 installation disc or files.

If you start your computer using a 64-bit Windows 10 installation disc or files, but your computer isn't capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows, you'll see a Windows Boot Manager error. You'll need to use a 32-bit Windows 10 installation
disc or files instead.

B40-45 Laptop (Lenovo): laptops and netbooks :: lenovo b series laptops :: lenovo b40 45 notebook Lenovo PC Support

Article for reference.

How to migrate to Windows 10 64 bit from 32 bit versions of Windows:
How to migrate to Windows 10 64 bit from 32 bit versions of Windows

Keep us informed to help you further.

 

1.71gb Usable RAM of 4gb

Hi,

Thank you for the reply and update.

As the pc is capable of running a 64 bit OS, you may install the 64 bit Windows 10 to check the status. Ensure to back up the existing data before starting the installation.

Cheers.

 

If your BIOS includes setting "Framebuffer Location" or similar (memory for in-processor video), try to change it first.

Run msconfig, Boot options - Advanced, Max Memory must be unchecked.

Try to change memory config (remove all DIMMs but one), enter Setup, save, boot Windows. Then make the same steps with two DIMMs. If all is OK, repeat all steps with four DIMMs inserted.

 

I was not able to find any setting for "Framebuffer Location" within the BIOS settings, or after searching Google and the motherboard manual.

I unchecked the Max Memory setting in msconfig, Boot options - Advanced.

As per your third recommendation; I just turned off my PC, removed all DIMMS but one and turned it back on, but neither my monitors, keyboard, nor mouse would work. I powered off, added another DIMM, and the same problem occurred. I had to repeat this until all 4 were back in for my monitors, keyboard, and mouse to start working.

Any feedback at this point would be appreciated. In particular, if you could clarify what do you meant by the "enter Setup, save" parts of your third recommendation, that may be useful since I did not understand what you meant, and thus didn't follow those steps. Thanks.

 

Are these sticks identical?

 

Yeah, all four sticks are identical.

Here they are: GeIL Enhance CORSA 16GB Desktop Memory Model GEC316GB1600C9QC - Newegg.com

 

Framebuffer Location:
BIOS is not fully described in manual; however, this setting can be located under menus
MEMORY-Z
Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu. This sub-menu displays all the settings and
timings of installed memory.
CPU Features
Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu.
Or it may be missing completely.

DIMMs:
Did you left modules in banks 1 or 1+3 only? Then system should boot.

Setup, save:
After memory adding/removing, it may be necessary to go into Setup and save new configuration.

Entering BIOS Setup
Power on the computer and the system will start the Power On Self Test (POST)
process. When the message below appears on the screen, press <DEL> key to enter BIOS:
Press <Del> to run BIOS setup, or <F11> to run boot menu

You can also try the Restore Defaults option in BIOS.

 

Hey guys... I just noticed he's saying he has more than one stick of memory... yet, his Speeccy sheet says he's on single channel mode... isn't he supposed to be running on dual channel mode given his RAM configuration? Can that be somewhat the cause of that monstrous hardware reserved amount?

Just wondering...

 

Yeah, it should be running in dual channel mode and I think there's something wrong with the motherboard itself.

 

This is weird. What does CPUID or HWInfo report?

It might be worth removing the memory cards, carefully cleaning the contacts with alcohol then reinserting the memory cards ensuring the clips click into place.

 

Have you tried to run this as admin via CMD:

Code: bcdedit /deletevalue {current} truncatememory bcdedit /deletevalue {default} truncatememory[/quote]

 

1) remove the battery for cmos reset and try it.
2) cpu bent pin or cpu cooler is very tight.

 

I can think of different scenarios to how this may have happened :

1 - The earlier owner tackled PAE off , so now you are actually running on 32 bit ram handling model which has a cap of a little bellow 4 gbs of ram .
2 - The system can actually be 32 bit with moded system panel to reflect it being 64 bit just in text .
3 - The previous owner ran some sort of RAM Disk that resides or run silently .
4 - The Bios require a reset .
5 - The GPU card has a default or moded driver that toggles Shared Memory and was manipulated to direct as much of reserved memory to card .

I suggest :
1 - Try running : BCDEdit /set PAE ForceEnable in an elevated command prompt (Or google PAE and 32 bit systems) .
2 - Try booting with winpese-x64 boot disk found here in forum to see if it can allocate the lost ram .
3 - Try RamDisk see if it can access higher rams .
4 - Just skip the jumpers and software resets , just remove bios batteries for a couple of minutes before placing them back .
5 - If winpese-x64 can access the whole ram then as a suggestion do a clean re-install of windows not a reset , it is not a good strategy to mend a manipulated Windows , there might be more back fire waiting to happen .