[casanova9289]

i have a 32 bit vista laptop that is running on 2 gig of ddr2 5300 ram and i wanted to upgrade to more ram. when i go into my computer info it sayd that my laptop can support 64 bit vista. but when i added a 2 gig chip (to bring it up to 3 gig ram) it only recognized 2 gb instead of the three. one of my co workers said that i needed to upgrade the firmware of my mobo, so i was wondering if anyone had any useful help i could use.

[thingie2]

if you only have 32-bit it will not see the full amount, if you want all of the memory seen and used, you will need to re-install with the 64-bit version, If you bought the retail version of Vista, it should be on the same DVD I think, however if you bought the OEM version, You will have to buy it again.

[casanova9289]

so there is no way of keeping the os i have and upgrading the board to see the added ram?

[thingie2]

i don't think so, however you might be able to re-install the 64-bit version and keep all your stuff on the computer. However I would recomend you back-up everything that matters to you before you try, just in case.

[Carbon]

It's likely that your integrated graphics are eating up the remaining RAM, after subtracting the amount not recognized by XP.

[philthomas]

Vista 32bit can recognise up to 3.25gb of Ram ....... the machine I am typing on now has exactly that.

There are 2 x factors here :

1.The Vista 32 limit and 2.The amount of ram your motherboard can support.

Obviously if your motherboard was only designed to support 2gb, then that will be your problem.

What is the Make/Model of the Laptop ?

[casanova9289]

hp pavillion dv6235nr

[Mike0001]

Crucial reports a limit of 2Gb, but it is sometimes wrong.

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/list...ion%20dv6235nr

[philthomas]

According to Crucial, the maximum memory for this board id 2gb : http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/list...ion%20dv6235nr

[philthomas]

Snap ! Lol