Computer startup problem

[instantdeath999]

Hi. I recently changed my motherboard and cpu, and have had no problem for the past few days. However, although I had 8gb of ram installed, it was telling me that I only had 3.5 usable, even though I have Windows 7 64 bit. So, I attempted to fix the problem. Long story short, now my computer won't start up.

The worst part of it all is that I know exactly what I did. I had read that you can go to msconfig, advanced settings, boot, and change the memory there. I made the mistake of changing the memory from "0" to "2000". Now, the computer will not start up; it will attempt to take me into a recovery system, but even that fails.

Is there no way to start the computer and just change that setting back? It's killing me that I did something so stupid to essentially destroy my computer.

 

[jaquith]

Welcome to Tom's Forum!

Often 1. MOBO/CPU is older with a 32-bit bit controller(s), 2. Memory Remapping is not Enabled (64-bit OS it must), 3. Pirated Window 7 (looks like x64 but in reality is a hacked 32-bit).

Try Windows Recovery - Boot + F8 ; see -> http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/startup-repair ; choose System Restore and if needed Clear CMOS procedure (Jumper or Clr CMOS button); see -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdHH9KrceR0

Q - What MOBO?
Q - What CPU?
Q - What RAM? ; I prefer links to the purchased RAM

 

[instantdeath999]

Thanks for the speedy reply!

Anyway, further info.

CPU: AMD Phenom x4. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103894

Mobo: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XRG1DM/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139046

As for the operating system, I bought it quite some time ago, though I wouldn't think it hacked, since I believe I bought it from a Best Buy (if that means anything.

Considering all I did was change one setting, I would think system restore would work, but unfortunately it's not getting me anywhere; telling me that system recovery can't solve the problem. I'm thinking the worst case scenario would be that I have to buy Windows 7 again, and after buying all these latest upgrades, I really don't have the money

 

[jaquith]

The ASUS M4A88T-M/USB3 - http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_AM3/M4A88TMUSB3/#download does indeed have Memory Hole Remapping -> Enabled which is by default enabled for x64 OSes.

There's no reason to repurchase Windows 7 if it's 64-bit; it will be clearly labeled as 64-bit on the packaging; typically on the backing of the package.

As I suggested, if System Restore fails then 1. Try an earlier date, 2. Try the Clear CMOS procedure I also linked above.

IF both options fail then try booting with (1) stick of RAM in the left Blue DIMM slot, failure swap the stick for another. If using (2) sticks use the Blue DIMM slots. Test:
CPU: | blank | blank | RAM | blank |

 

[alighouston]

multiple options.

Put windows 7 CD in the system tell the computer to boot from CD/DVD "Bios screen show how to boot from external source mostly you hit Esc to get the option"
once the computer boots from CD/DVD click on Repair you computer then use repair start-up it will go through and tell you to restart the computer.
if that don't work.
2. follow the same process above and instead of repair start-up use system restore from there and chose the point before you made configuration changes.
and if that don't work either reinstall windows thats will be your only option.

Now the part about why windows showing 3.5GB Ram, your system is sharing memory with video chip as its an onboard video controller or you are using a 32bit windows

 

[alighouston]

multiple options.

Put windows 7 CD in the system tell the computer to boot from CD/DVD "Bios screen show how to boot from external source mostly you hit Esc to get the option"
once the computer boots from CD/DVD click on Repair you computer then use repair start-up it will go through and tell you to restart the computer.
if that don't work.
2. follow the same process above and instead of repair start-up use system restore from there and chose the point before you made configuration changes.
and if that don't work either reinstall windows thats will be your only option.

Now the part about why windows showing 3.5GB Ram, your system is sharing memory with video chip as its an onboard video controller or you are using a 32bit windows