4GB with 32 bit Win issue - again

[Rubycon]

Why is it that I can install 32bit XP and only see 3-3.5GB RAM yet if I install Windows 2003 Server 32 bit the system sees all 4GB? Pre SP2 XP would work with 4GB with /PAE switch in boot.ini. Of course in both cases the max any application can access is 2GB.

 

[postmortemIA]

The /3GB and /PAE switches in the Boot.ini file are to be used with the following products:
? Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
? Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
? Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
? Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition

link

 

[Nothinman]

Why is it that I can install 32bit XP and only see 3-3.5GB RAM yet if I install Windows 2003 Server 32 bit the system sees all 4GB?

Because MS says so.

 

[masteraleph]

Because MS decided that in the choice between random crashes from poorly written software and drivers (nVidia, I'm looking at you) and the restriction of well under 4GB, the consumer OS should have the restriction of well under 4GB.

 

[stash]

I'll just add that there's a common misconception that all you need to do is enable the PAE kernel on XP SP2 and Vista. PAE is already enabled by default, so modifying boot.in/bcd won't change anything. It's a limitation put in the code on purpose, as Nothinman said.

 

[Rubycon]

Originally posted by: postmortemIA

The /3GB and /PAE switches in the Boot.ini file are to be used with the following products:
? Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
? Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
? Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
? Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition

link

I'm familiar with this but Server works that way right out of the box and XP SHOULD too! Down with DEP! :|

Originally posted by: stash
I'll just add that there's a common misconception that all you need to do is enable the PAE kernel on XP SP2 and Vista. PAE is already enabled by default, so modifying boot.in/bcd won't change anything. It's a limitation put in the code on purpose, as Nothinman said.

Yes but it DOES work pre SP2 which puts one at risk of incompatibility these days. Planned obsolescence at its finest. :roll:

 

[Nothinman]

Planned obsolescence at its finest.

As much as I dislike MS I wouldn't consider this planned obsolescence, I think that they really do believe they've implemented the best solution to save people from poorly written drivers.