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install win7 32 or 64 bit on a 4 gig ram machine - opinions, please.

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cmpm:
Yes Carol, I hear ya.
Investigated all that the best I could.
The thing is it worked fine with only 2gb of memory, but when you go over that, it throws a hissy.
I have 512 nvidia 8600 graphics card.

It just seems a bit crazy, all that mapping stuff, to me anyway.
When the card has it's own memory....

I read another thread on it here at DC and a bunch of other sites.

edit-

Since this is a W7 upgrade disk, it will not activate or even install fully unless I have XP up and running.
So I have to install XP first then upgrade to W7 if I want to try.
XP is on right now, and it takes a while, like 2 days to get it fully loaded.
A 2005 disk needs a lot of updates and removing the ton of included extra programs.
The darn thing has norton, mcafee, aol and some other unwanted, not needed, outdated stuff.

Carol Haynes:
If Win 7 installs and with 2Gb there is no reason why it shouldn't do so with 4Gb.

Have you checked BIOS settings (if you tweak them revert them to the safe default settings). In particular make sure your memory settings are conservative.

If that isn't the issue have you checked for a BIOS update for your motherboard - from what you are describing it sounds like either a memory issue or a motherboard issue.

cmpm:
Probably needs a bios update, yes.
I'm not confident to do it though.
The chances of turning it into a door stop.

what does this mean?

In particular make sure your memory settings are conservative.

--- End quote ---

Something about the memory mhz or overclocking?
Used the same type of memory/mhz it came with.

edit-gotta go to work ttyl

steeladept:
Probably needs a bios update, yes.
I'm not confident to do it though.
The chances of turning it into a door stop.
-cmpm (June 21, 2010, 04:59 AM)
--- End quote ---

I have done hundreds of these now and never once turned one into a door stop.  IF you follow the directions they are actually easier to upgrade than most software.

what does this mean?

In particular make sure your memory settings are conservative.

--- End quote ---
-cmpm (June 21, 2010, 04:59 AM)
--- End quote ---
It means go into your current BIOS and reset to factory default before upgrading the BIOS.  This limits the exposure to corruption because of settings in the old BIOS being outside the parameters accepted by the new BIOS (which assumes bad hardware if it is outside the parameters - read doorstop).

Carol Haynes:
Probably needs a bios update, yes.
I'm not confident to do it though.
The chances of turning it into a door stop.
-cmpm (June 21, 2010, 04:59 AM)
--- End quote ---

The important points to BIOS updating are:

1) Be 100% certain that you download the correct BIOS update for your motherboard direct from the manufacturer's website. Model numbers are always printed on the motherboard somewhere (often between the expansion slots - you may need a torch!). However, if it is a factory built computer system from a big box shifting manufacturer don't rely on the printed model number on the motherboard as manufacturer's often buy cheaper modified versions of motherboards and supply limited BIOS options - you then can't 100% guarantee that the BIOS from the motherboard manufacturer is completely compatible  (though I have to say I have used this method to release previously unavailable BIOS options and never had a doorstop at the end - but you should be aware of the issue).

2) If you are happy to upgrade the BIOS follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter

3) If things seem to take longer than expected don't be tempted to do anything silly (such as press the OFF button or reset) go and get a strong drink and come back later.

Having said all that I agree with steeladept - I have performed more BIOS updates than I can remember and have never (touch wood) killed a motherboard yet by doing so.

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