Only a max of 4GB RAM?

gingergamer · 19 Aug 2010 at 21:36

I was given a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate but sadly it was only 32-bit, and according to information about my motherboard, because its 32-bit, I can only have a max of 4GB RAM.

Now if I ever wanted to add more, would I need to buy a whole new copy of Windows 7? Or is there ever going to be a fix so this isnt needed?

Jokester · 19 Aug 2010 at 21:38

It's an inherent feature of 32bit Windows. Only way to get round it is to go 64bit.

gingergamer · 19 Aug 2010 at 21:39

Oh right :/ Thanks for the reply though

egnshane · 20 Aug 2010 at 15:24

You wont get your full 4GB either 32bit cannot adress enough memory
, 64bit is your only way

bledd · 20 Aug 2010 at 15:38

All you need to do is get a 64bit Ultimate dvd and install with that, the 32bit key will activate fine and will be 100% legal*

*even if you've already activated it in 32bit mode, it will be fine in 64bit too

TigerUK · 20 Aug 2010 at 19:34

bledd. said:
All you need to do is get a 64bit Ultimate dvd and install with that, the 32bit key will activate fine and will be 100% legal*

*even if you've already activated it in 32bit mode, it will be fine in 64bit too

Are you 100% sure of that? I have a netbook with windows 7 32 bit which has an OEM license (home premium).. I can upgrade to the same in 64 bit and not have to pay extra?

also will 64 bit nuke my battery life?

lord filbuster · 22 Aug 2010 at 00:19

64 bit won't effect battery life. It's definitely legal, plus I think Microsoft will even ship you the 64 bit disc if you pay for P&P, or you can find a disc yourself if you can. What processor does you netbook have? i don't think atom processors are 64 bit, so you might want to check that it would work before doing the install.

Redmint · 22 Aug 2010 at 00:54

Dual core atoms are 64 bit, single core are 32 bit. Strange I know.

sjcf1 · 22 Aug 2010 at 01:03

You can use the same key on 2 different bit versions of Windows, so long as they are the same version. Eg Win 7 professional 32 bit can be used with win 7 professional 64bit, all you need is the install media - retail ones are normally shipped with 32 and 64bit as I recall.

Microsoft are actually quite good on this matter, I mistakenly ordered the 32bit copy and recived the 32bit disk, used it and activated it, and they sent me some 64bit install disks free of charge - this was using a student upgrade offer at the time.