Thanks Curious. I'll try to verify that. PaulC.

"Curious" wrote in message
...
Is it possible that the graphics chip in the system is using 256MB of
shared memory.?
How much memory does the BIOS say your system has?

"Paul Calcagno" wrote in message
...
I'm running Windows Vista Home Premium (SP2), with 2 GB of RAM, Firefox,
CA
Security Suite, MBAB, SuperAntiSpyware Professional, Cleaner and Spybot
search and destroy on an Acer Aspire T180 desktop. All WU's are current
and
the machine is working just great.
About 6 months ago I noticed a reduction in the amount of usable
installed
memory. I have 2048 MB of installed RAM in 3 slots (512 MB, 512 MB and
1024
MB-with one slot empty), but only 1792 MB of usable memory. The usable
installed/unusable installed difference is 256 MB. The difference may
mean
that some of it has gone bad or whatever.
Is there anyway to ascertain why I'm not able to take advantage of the
full
2024 MB of RAM? Is it possible one of the memory sticks is not plugged in
correctly or there's a dirty contact somewhere?
I realize that this may be a `don't fix it if it ain't broken' situation
since the computer runs just fine but if there's something I can actually
do
to get back the missing 256 MB of RAM that'd be nice.
I'm posting this here and also at:
Microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_mainten ance since I'm not sure
of the
correct post location.
Thanks...PaulC.

Ok, I wasn't sure this was a hardware or a performance/maintenance issue but
I'll avoid multi posting in the future. PaulC.

"DL" wrote in message
...
and in future dont multi post

"Paul Calcagno" wrote in message
...
I'm running Windows Vista Home Premium (SP2), with 2 GB of RAM, Firefox,
CA
Security Suite, MBAB, SuperAntiSpyware Professional, Cleaner and Spybot
search and destroy on an Acer Aspire T180 desktop. All WU's are current
and
the machine is working just great.
About 6 months ago I noticed a reduction in the amount of usable
installed
memory. I have 2048 MB of installed RAM in 3 slots (512 MB, 512 MB and
1024
MB-with one slot empty), but only 1792 MB of usable memory. The usable
installed/unusable installed difference is 256 MB. The difference may
mean
that some of it has gone bad or whatever.
Is there anyway to ascertain why I'm not able to take advantage of the
full
2024 MB of RAM? Is it possible one of the memory sticks is not plugged in
correctly or there's a dirty contact somewhere?
I realize that this may be a `don't fix it if it ain't broken' situation
since the computer runs just fine but if there's something I can actually
do
to get back the missing 256 MB of RAM that'd be nice.
I'm posting this here and also at:
Microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_mainten ance since I'm not sure
of the
correct post location.
Thanks...PaulC.

Ok, I wasn't sure this was a hardware or a performance/maintenance issue but
I'll avoid multi posting in the future. PaulC.

"DL" wrote in message
...
and in future dont multi post

"Paul Calcagno" wrote in message
...
I'm running Windows Vista Home Premium (SP2), with 2 GB of RAM, Firefox,
CA
Security Suite, MBAB, SuperAntiSpyware Professional, Cleaner and Spybot
search and destroy on an Acer Aspire T180 desktop. All WU's are current
and
the machine is working just great.
About 6 months ago I noticed a reduction in the amount of usable
installed
memory. I have 2048 MB of installed RAM in 3 slots (512 MB, 512 MB and
1024
MB-with one slot empty), but only 1792 MB of usable memory. The usable
installed/unusable installed difference is 256 MB. The difference may
mean
that some of it has gone bad or whatever.
Is there anyway to ascertain why I'm not able to take advantage of the
full
2024 MB of RAM? Is it possible one of the memory sticks is not plugged in
correctly or there's a dirty contact somewhere?
I realize that this may be a `don't fix it if it ain't broken' situation
since the computer runs just fine but if there's something I can actually
do
to get back the missing 256 MB of RAM that'd be nice.
I'm posting this here and also at:
Microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_mainten ance since I'm not sure
of the
correct post location.
Thanks...PaulC.

It is also possible that your MOBO or your BIOS limits addressable memory to
2GB and therefore 256MB of address space is being used by Vista to support
your graphics card even if it is not using shared memory. Not all of this
memory is not available to you since it is just pre-reserved.

"Paul Calcagno" wrote in message
...
Thanks Curious. I'll try to verify that. PaulC.

"Curious" wrote in message
...
Is it possible that the graphics chip in the system is using 256MB of
shared memory.?
How much memory does the BIOS say your system has?

"Paul Calcagno" wrote in message
...
I'm running Windows Vista Home Premium (SP2), with 2 GB of RAM, Firefox,
CA
Security Suite, MBAB, SuperAntiSpyware Professional, Cleaner and Spybot
search and destroy on an Acer Aspire T180 desktop. All WU's are current
and
the machine is working just great.
About 6 months ago I noticed a reduction in the amount of usable
installed
memory. I have 2048 MB of installed RAM in 3 slots (512 MB, 512 MB and
1024
MB-with one slot empty), but only 1792 MB of usable memory. The usable
installed/unusable installed difference is 256 MB. The difference may
mean
that some of it has gone bad or whatever.
Is there anyway to ascertain why I'm not able to take advantage of the
full
2024 MB of RAM? Is it possible one of the memory sticks is not plugged
in
correctly or there's a dirty contact somewhere?
I realize that this may be a `don't fix it if it ain't broken' situation
since the computer runs just fine but if there's something I can
actually do
to get back the missing 256 MB of RAM that'd be nice.
I'm posting this here and also at:
Microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_mainten ance since I'm not
sure of the
correct post location.
Thanks...PaulC.

It is also possible that your MOBO or your BIOS limits addressable memory to
2GB and therefore 256MB of address space is being used by Vista to support
your graphics card even if it is not using shared memory. Not all of this
memory is not available to you since it is just pre-reserved.

"Paul Calcagno" wrote in message
...
Thanks Curious. I'll try to verify that. PaulC.

"Curious" wrote in message
...
Is it possible that the graphics chip in the system is using 256MB of
shared memory.?
How much memory does the BIOS say your system has?

"Paul Calcagno" wrote in message
...
I'm running Windows Vista Home Premium (SP2), with 2 GB of RAM, Firefox,
CA
Security Suite, MBAB, SuperAntiSpyware Professional, Cleaner and Spybot
search and destroy on an Acer Aspire T180 desktop. All WU's are current
and
the machine is working just great.
About 6 months ago I noticed a reduction in the amount of usable
installed
memory. I have 2048 MB of installed RAM in 3 slots (512 MB, 512 MB and
1024
MB-with one slot empty), but only 1792 MB of usable memory. The usable
installed/unusable installed difference is 256 MB. The difference may
mean
that some of it has gone bad or whatever.
Is there anyway to ascertain why I'm not able to take advantage of the
full
2024 MB of RAM? Is it possible one of the memory sticks is not plugged
in
correctly or there's a dirty contact somewhere?
I realize that this may be a `don't fix it if it ain't broken' situation
since the computer runs just fine but if there's something I can
actually do
to get back the missing 256 MB of RAM that'd be nice.
I'm posting this here and also at:
Microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_mainten ance since I'm not
sure of the
correct post location.
Thanks...PaulC.

Hi,

The BIOS reports memory during the initial system POST when you boot up,
prior to Windows loading. If you see a manufacturer logo at that point, hit
escape to see what's on the screen.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

"Paul Calcagno" wrote in message
...
Rick, I'm not sure how to check the BIOS report. Perhaps you could guide
me. When I used `Belarc Advisor' it reported that there was 2048 MB
installed. Not sure if Belarc gets it's information from the BIOS. PaulC.

"Rick Rogers" wrote in message
...
Hi,

Could simply be ram used/shared by video if your system is set that way.
256MB is a common amount.

What does the system BIOS report as being installed?

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

"Paul Calcagno" wrote in message
...
I'm running Windows Vista Home Premium (SP2), with 2 GB of RAM, Firefox,
CA
Security Suite, MBAB, SuperAntiSpyware Professional, Cleaner and Spybot
search and destroy on an Acer Aspire T180 desktop. All WU's are current
and
the machine is working just great.
About 6 months ago I noticed a reduction in the amount of usable
installed
memory. I have 2048 MB of installed RAM in 3 slots (512 MB, 512 MB and
1024
MB-with one slot empty), but only 1792 MB of usable memory. The usable
installed/unusable installed difference is 256 MB. The difference may
mean
that some of it has gone bad or whatever.
Is there anyway to ascertain why I'm not able to take advantage of the
full
2024 MB of RAM? Is it possible one of the memory sticks is not plugged
in
correctly or there's a dirty contact somewhere?
I realize that this may be a `don't fix it if it ain't broken' situation
since the computer runs just fine but if there's something I can
actually do
to get back the missing 256 MB of RAM that'd be nice.
I'm posting this here and also at:
Microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_mainten ance since I'm not
sure of the
correct post location.
Thanks...PaulC.

Hi,

The BIOS reports memory during the initial system POST when you boot up,
prior to Windows loading. If you see a manufacturer logo at that point, hit
escape to see what's on the screen.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

"Paul Calcagno" wrote in message
...
Rick, I'm not sure how to check the BIOS report. Perhaps you could guide
me. When I used `Belarc Advisor' it reported that there was 2048 MB
installed. Not sure if Belarc gets it's information from the BIOS. PaulC.

"Rick Rogers" wrote in message
...
Hi,

Could simply be ram used/shared by video if your system is set that way.
256MB is a common amount.

What does the system BIOS report as being installed?

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

"Paul Calcagno" wrote in message
...
I'm running Windows Vista Home Premium (SP2), with 2 GB of RAM, Firefox,
CA
Security Suite, MBAB, SuperAntiSpyware Professional, Cleaner and Spybot
search and destroy on an Acer Aspire T180 desktop. All WU's are current
and
the machine is working just great.
About 6 months ago I noticed a reduction in the amount of usable
installed
memory. I have 2048 MB of installed RAM in 3 slots (512 MB, 512 MB and
1024
MB-with one slot empty), but only 1792 MB of usable memory. The usable
installed/unusable installed difference is 256 MB. The difference may
mean
that some of it has gone bad or whatever.
Is there anyway to ascertain why I'm not able to take advantage of the
full
2024 MB of RAM? Is it possible one of the memory sticks is not plugged
in
correctly or there's a dirty contact somewhere?
I realize that this may be a `don't fix it if it ain't broken' situation
since the computer runs just fine but if there's something I can
actually do
to get back the missing 256 MB of RAM that'd be nice.
I'm posting this here and also at:
Microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_mainten ance since I'm not
sure of the
correct post location.
Thanks...PaulC.

Thanks Rick. I'll try that next time it boot my machine. PaulC.

"Rick Rogers" wrote in message
...
Hi,

The BIOS reports memory during the initial system POST when you boot up,
prior to Windows loading. If you see a manufacturer logo at that point,
hit escape to see what's on the screen.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

"Paul Calcagno" wrote in message
...
Rick, I'm not sure how to check the BIOS report. Perhaps you could guide
me. When I used `Belarc Advisor' it reported that there was 2048 MB
installed. Not sure if Belarc gets it's information from the BIOS. PaulC.

"Rick Rogers" wrote in message
...
Hi,

Could simply be ram used/shared by video if your system is set that way.
256MB is a common amount.

What does the system BIOS report as being installed?

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

"Paul Calcagno" wrote in message
...
I'm running Windows Vista Home Premium (SP2), with 2 GB of RAM,
Firefox, CA
Security Suite, MBAB, SuperAntiSpyware Professional, Cleaner and Spybot
search and destroy on an Acer Aspire T180 desktop. All WU's are current
and
the machine is working just great.
About 6 months ago I noticed a reduction in the amount of usable
installed
memory. I have 2048 MB of installed RAM in 3 slots (512 MB, 512 MB and
1024
MB-with one slot empty), but only 1792 MB of usable memory. The usable
installed/unusable installed difference is 256 MB. The difference may
mean
that some of it has gone bad or whatever.
Is there anyway to ascertain why I'm not able to take advantage of the
full
2024 MB of RAM? Is it possible one of the memory sticks is not plugged
in
correctly or there's a dirty contact somewhere?
I realize that this may be a `don't fix it if it ain't broken'
situation
since the computer runs just fine but if there's something I can
actually do
to get back the missing 256 MB of RAM that'd be nice.
I'm posting this here and also at:
Microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_mainten ance since I'm not
sure of the
correct post location.
Thanks...PaulC.

Thanks Rick. I'll try that next time it boot my machine. PaulC.

"Rick Rogers" wrote in message
...
Hi,

The BIOS reports memory during the initial system POST when you boot up,
prior to Windows loading. If you see a manufacturer logo at that point,
hit escape to see what's on the screen.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

"Paul Calcagno" wrote in message
...
Rick, I'm not sure how to check the BIOS report. Perhaps you could guide
me. When I used `Belarc Advisor' it reported that there was 2048 MB
installed. Not sure if Belarc gets it's information from the BIOS. PaulC.

"Rick Rogers" wrote in message
...
Hi,

Could simply be ram used/shared by video if your system is set that way.
256MB is a common amount.

What does the system BIOS report as being installed?

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

"Paul Calcagno" wrote in message
...
I'm running Windows Vista Home Premium (SP2), with 2 GB of RAM,
Firefox, CA
Security Suite, MBAB, SuperAntiSpyware Professional, Cleaner and Spybot
search and destroy on an Acer Aspire T180 desktop. All WU's are current
and
the machine is working just great.
About 6 months ago I noticed a reduction in the amount of usable
installed
memory. I have 2048 MB of installed RAM in 3 slots (512 MB, 512 MB and
1024
MB-with one slot empty), but only 1792 MB of usable memory. The usable
installed/unusable installed difference is 256 MB. The difference may
mean
that some of it has gone bad or whatever.
Is there anyway to ascertain why I'm not able to take advantage of the
full
2024 MB of RAM? Is it possible one of the memory sticks is not plugged
in
correctly or there's a dirty contact somewhere?
I realize that this may be a `don't fix it if it ain't broken'
situation
since the computer runs just fine but if there's something I can
actually do
to get back the missing 256 MB of RAM that'd be nice.
I'm posting this here and also at:
Microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_mainten ance since I'm not
sure of the
correct post location.
Thanks...PaulC.

Curious,
I just noticed that if I use `winver' in Start==Run I get a panel saying my
OS version (Vista Home Premium version 6.0, build 6002: SP2) AND says that I
have `1833.90 MB available for Windows'. Does this conflict with the 1792 MB
that's reported by Belarc Advisor as the available installed memory. Any
comments as to which number is `correct'? Or maybe there both right, meaning
there's nothing `wrong' with the RAM. Paul C.

"Curious" wrote in message
...
It is also possible that your MOBO or your BIOS limits addressable memory
to 2GB and therefore 256MB of address space is being used by Vista to
support your graphics card even if it is not using shared memory. Not all
of this memory is not available to you since it is just pre-reserved.

"Paul Calcagno" wrote in message
...
Thanks Curious. I'll try to verify that. PaulC.

"Curious" wrote in message
...
Is it possible that the graphics chip in the system is using 256MB of
shared memory.?
How much memory does the BIOS say your system has?

"Paul Calcagno" wrote in message
...
I'm running Windows Vista Home Premium (SP2), with 2 GB of RAM,
Firefox, CA
Security Suite, MBAB, SuperAntiSpyware Professional, Cleaner and Spybot
search and destroy on an Acer Aspire T180 desktop. All WU's are current
and
the machine is working just great.
About 6 months ago I noticed a reduction in the amount of usable
installed
memory. I have 2048 MB of installed RAM in 3 slots (512 MB, 512 MB and
1024
MB-with one slot empty), but only 1792 MB of usable memory. The usable
installed/unusable installed difference is 256 MB. The difference may
mean
that some of it has gone bad or whatever.
Is there anyway to ascertain why I'm not able to take advantage of the
full
2024 MB of RAM? Is it possible one of the memory sticks is not plugged
in
correctly or there's a dirty contact somewhere?
I realize that this may be a `don't fix it if it ain't broken'
situation
since the computer runs just fine but if there's something I can
actually do
to get back the missing 256 MB of RAM that'd be nice.
I'm posting this here and also at:
Microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_mainten ance since I'm not
sure of the
correct post location.
Thanks...PaulC.