Windows RAM Limitations re-visited

[LazyLion]

http://www.geoffchappell.com/viewer.htm?doc=notes/windows/license/memory.htm

That 32-bit editions of Windows Vista are limited to 4GB is not because of any physical or technical constraint on 32-bit operating systems. The 32-bit editions of Windows Vista all contain code for using physical memory above 4GB. Microsoft just doesn’t license you to use that code.

Fairly technical article... but he does a good job of actually explaining what the issues are. Suffice it to say that if you really want to use 4GB or more, you should move to 64 bit OS anyway. My opinion is that Microsoft is using this issue of memory to force people up to 64 bit.

I am very happy with my 64 Bit Windows 7... no problems so far!

 

[NetSpike]

Well, even though it can technically possible to use more than 4GB on Vista 32bit, it is not recommended as weird stuff starts happening.

You can copy certain licensing files from a Windows Server 2008 machine to Windows Vista to allow you to use more than 4GB of memory. I wouldn't recommend it though - rather go 64 bit.

 

[killadoob]

Why would they want to force people to move to 64 bit?

It does benefit them in anyway, whether they are selling 64 bit or 32 makes difference surely.

 

[Weasley]

What i dont get is why doesnt Microsoft just only make a 64-bit? leave the 32 bit a vista

 

[LazyLion]

Why would they want to force people to move to 64 bit?

It does benefit them in anyway, whether they are selling 64 bit or 32 makes difference surely.

For the same reasons that they wanted to move people from 16 bit to 32 bit. The architecture is better. Programs will run better, more stable, etc.

And probably because it helps drive computer sales ... more computer sales, more OS sales.

 

[killadoob]

People who buy computers will buy windows regardless of 32 or 64 bit so i still don't get why they would want to force people into buying 64 bit windows.

Besides do you think people who use 32 bit windows will upgrade the same windows OS to get that other 700mb ram? Doubtful.

Although windows 7 64 bit will out sell 32 bit i would imagine.

 

[masticore]

Well, even though it can technically possible to use more than 4GB on Vista 32bit, it is not recommended as weird stuff starts happening.

What "weird stuff" ?
Windows Server 2003 Enterprise or Data Center 32-bit versions (32GB & 64GB respectively) exhibit no "weird stuff".

 

[NetSpike]

What "weird stuff" ?
Windows Server 2003 Enterprise or Data Center 32-bit versions (32GB & 64GB respectively) exhibit no "weird stuff".

I meant cheating the 32bit system to go above it's built-in limit causes weird stuff. Applications overiding each others' memory addresses etc. etc.

And nobody even mentioned Server 2003 versions.