Vista problems after upgrading to 4GB. Plz help!!

[Wishjuh]

Hi!

I have a question. I have this config:
- Asus Striker Extreme (with latest 1102 bios version)
- C2d E6600 (OC'd to 3Ghz)
- G-Skill PC6400 memory (Model: F2-6400CL4D-2GBPK)

I had 2GB of G-skill memory... but I decided to upgrade to 4GB. I made a really good deal.. So why not. After putting in the other 2 modules (so all my 4 slots are used now) I'm having the weirdest problems.

- I cannot boot to vista anymore
- Blue Screen of Death (not every time the same)
- Even safe mode doesn't start... it just reboots...
- It sometimes says that windows files are damaged and that I should recover by using the Vista Disk.
- After putting the Vista disk... it just crashes after a while and my PC is rebooted...
- I sometimes got a IRQ_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL message in the BSOD

All these problems dissapear when I remove 2 of the 4 modules. (doesn't matter which one)

I also tested the memory... by only putting the new modules in... and then I have no problems... The problems only occur when I put in all the 4 modules.
- I tried different slots... but all the slots are OK when putting in only 2 modules.
- the memory is OK
- I did a bios-update to the latest
- The 4 memory modules are the same model... the only difference is the heatsink... the heatsink on the new modules have a darker blue colour then the old ones... also the logo is larger... which indicate that the new modules are in fact newer... but the sticker on it says the same....
- I also mailed Microsoft about this issue... and the have confirmed that Vista supports 4Gb of memory..
- I also did put in 3 modules instead of 4... and this works like a charm... but no dual channel ofcourse...

Is there anyone who can help me? I really am lost here...

Thx!

Greetz, Wishjuh

 

[dengamle]

There have been some issues about Vista and large amount of RAM. This is one of them: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/930261

 

[Wishjuh]

There have been some issues about Vista and large amount of RAM. This is one of them: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/930261

Thx! I tried to download this update... but there's something wrong with my windows activation... I don't understand... I have a legal OEM-licence... and my windows is activated... but when I want to download this, it says that my vista isn't activated yet and that my vista cannot be validated... thanx microsoft... for not letting me use my legal windows!

 

[Wishjuh]

Ok... I finally managed to download that update... the pc boots now... but when I want to type in my login\pass... the system just reboots... this time I got a bsod which told me that the pc crashed and that it is making a crash-dump...

Too bad this update didn't work...

But what about PTE's? What is that?

 

[Mondoman]

Please list all the components of your system -- a plug-in card may not be 64-bit compatible.
Also, if there is any "memory remapping" entry in the BIOS, try changing its setting.

 

[jmatyas]

I'm having the exact same problem, i installed the patch but it still blue screens when i played oblivion

 

[Wishjuh]

Please list all the components of your system -- a plug-in card may not be 64-bit compatible.
Also, if there is any "memory remapping" entry in the BIOS, try changing its setting.

See below this message for my configuration...

I use a 32-bits version of Vista Ultimate. Not a 64-bits version.... I asked microsoft and they confirm that the 32-bits version should support my 4Gb...

 

[Wishjuh]

you may have a graphics driver issue
what does the BSOD say?

Well... the last one gave me this error-code: 0x0000007E

But if it is the display driver... why does it works fine with 2GB and not with 4GB?

Some extra information: I use the latest ForceWare drivers for my 8800GTX... and I just reinstalled my system... I also use the Creative X-Fi Pro Soundcard (with 64MB X-ram) which is not listed below..

 

[Wishjuh]

try putting 2GB in the system
then boot up and find in the registry the total number of page table entries that are available make the number FFFFFFFF
if you dont know what im talking about find someone who does before you go poking around in the registry.
after you are done put the 4GB back in and see how it works

I'm know how to handle registery... no problem... but how do I find the Page Table Entry? Which word do I have to search for?

 

[Luke7]

Hi Wishjuh

Do you run your RAM at 800 MHz?
I have the same problems with Vista 32 bit + 64 bit after upgrading from 2 GB to 4GB (4 slots)

I solved the problems by setting the RAM down from 800 MHz to 667 MHz in the bios.
How do we find the Page Table Entry?

My system

Intel QX6700 OC to 3.33 GHz, FSB 1333 MHz (100% stable)
Intel Bad AXE2
4 GB Corsair PC8500 RAM (Running at 667 MHz in the bios)
Raptor 150 GB Harddisk
ATI X1950XT
Audigy 2
Dell Ultrasharp 2407WFP 24" widescreen
Windows Vista Ultimate 64 bit

 

[Wishjuh]

Hi Wishjuh

Do you run your RAM at 800 MHz?
I have the same problems with Vista 32 bit + 64 bit after upgrading from 2 GB to 4GB (4 slots)

I solved the problems by setting the RAM down from 800 MHz to 667 MHz in the bios.
How do we find the Page Table Entry?

My system

Intel QX6700 OC to 3.33 GHz, FSB 1333 MHz (100% stable)
Intel Bad AXE2
4 GB Corsair PC8500 RAM (Running at 667 MHz in the bios)
Raptor 150 GB Harddisk
ATI X1950XT
Audigy 2
Dell Ultrasharp 2407WFP 24" widescreen
Windows Vista Ultimate 64 bit

Hi! Thanx for the reply! I'm going to try that now. I'll Be back to tell the result!

 

[Wishjuh]

Thanx Luke7!!! My problem is solved now! No BSOD's anymore... and it runs great now!

Thank you very much for this tip!

Do you know why I had to downclock my memory clock? Is my Striker Extreme the problem? Or is it Vsta related?

 

[pat]

Thanx Luke7!!! My problem is solved now! No BSOD's anymore... and it runs great now!

Thank you very much for this tip!

Do you know why I had to downclock my memory clock? Is my Striker Extreme the problem? Or is it Vsta related?

It was this way for AMD when 4 sticks are installed, memory speed dropping to DDR333. It was part of the ddr specification. Dont know about ddr2 if they have the same limitation.

 

[Luke7]

Hi Wishjuh

I am not sure what the problems is when running 4 GB RAM at 800 MHz
However, if I do not overclock my system, I can run 4 GB RAM at 800 MHz

Since my FSB is 1333 MHz, the speed of the RAM at 667 is perfect.

 

[Wishjuh]

Hi Wishjuh

I am not sure what the problems is when running 4 GB RAM at 800 MHz
However, if I do not overclock my system, I can run 4 GB RAM at 800 MHz

Since my FSB is 1333 MHz, the speed of the RAM at 667 is perfect.

Ok Nice. I also did OC my CPU to FSB 1333 so that explains it...

Thanx!

I'm a happy user again

 

[samsayit]

Have you tried to take out the two old modules and see if you have problems with the two new ones alone?

 

[Mondoman]

...
I am not sure what the problems is when running 4 GB RAM at 800 MHz
However, if I do not overclock my system, I can run 4 GB RAM at 800 MHz....

The problem in general is that with unbuffered RAM, the more DIMMs installed, the weaker the signals to each DIMM, since they all share the same signals without any buffering or regeneration. If you are already pushing your system near the edge (e.g. by OCing the FSB), then running 4 DIMMs instead of 2 may push it over the edge. Running the memory bus at DDR2-667 instead of DDR2-800 in effect lessens the tolerances on the signals and pulls the system back from the edge.

 

[Luke7]

Hi Mondoman

Thanks for letting us know

 

[Wishjuh]

Yeah thanx Modoman for the explanation!

Then my next question is... what situation is better then....

OC my FSB to 1333, en downclock my memory to 667Mhz

or

Leave my FSB at the standard and the memory also at the standard 800Mhz..


Is there a difference in performance? Because It looks like my pc feels a little slowre now.. since I downclocked my memory....

 

[Luke7]

Hi Wishjuh

You can try out cpuz http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
to test your memory speed.
Setting your RAM at 667 MHz in Dual mode will match your FSB at 1333 MHz 2x667=1333, like Mondoman said.

PS your Start Menu may get slower if you install many programs in Vista.
To fix this small bug, right click on the Start Menu, enter Properties, enter Customize, uncheck Highlight newly installed programs.
Start Menu runs at full speed again.

 

[Mondoman]

...
OC my FSB to 1333, en downclock my memory to 667Mhz

Yes, because (assuming you are running the RAM in dual-channel mode), your memory bus throughput will then match your FSB throughput. Since data from the RAM has to go through the FSB, there's not much performance advantage in running the RAM faster than that.
In any case, boosting the CPU's core speed is the main way to boost performance.

 

[Wishjuh]

Ok thanx Luke7 and Mondoman for the tips!

I think there's something else wrong with my pc... everything runs slow now... when I am multitasking... the system just freezes for a few seconds... I think it has something to do with my harddisk... So a long way to go for me

 

[Luke7]

Hi Wishjuh

If you need a new fast harddisk, go for the WD Raptor 150 GB

 

[Wishjuh]

Hi Wishjuh

If you need a new fast harddisk, go for the WD Raptor 150 GB

hehe I allready have a Raptor The little brother of the 150GB...

Next month I will get my 2nd 8800GTX videocard (sli) and I also will buy the Raptor-X 150GB to finish my pc... I allready spend so much money on this pc