Is 1GB too much memory for Win98SE?

[zCypher]

I'm building a system for a customer at work, and although I thought Win98 could technically handle 1GB memory (maybe it needs a patch?), it doesn't seem to work properly here. This system has integrated video which means the video buffer basically comes from the system memory. With ONE 512 stick in, Win98 works ok and the video thing loads up no problem. With two sticks, it doesn't load up.

Installing WinXP right now and it seems to be OK so far, almost done installation.

So is it just Win98, or what? And is there a patch or is it just not a feasible idea to use Win98 with that much memory?

Thanks (stupid question I know, but I wanted to see if I was misinformed on this)

 

[Budman]

Try reading the Tech Faqs next time.

What is the maximum amount of RAM for Windows?

 

[hjo3]

From MSKB Article #311871:

The information in this article applies to:
Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
Microsoft Windows 98

This article was previously published under Q311871

SYMPTOMS
If your computer has 1 gigabyte (GB) or more of random access memory (RAM) with shared video memory, the computer may boot to a blue screen error when you try to start Windows Millennium Edition (Me) or Windows 98.

CAUSE
Windows Me and Windows 98 are not designed to handle 1 GB or more of RAM. 1 GB or more of RAM can lead to potential system instability.

RESOLUTION
To work around this problem, reduce the amount of memory that is installed in your computer to 512 megabytes (MB) or less.

 

[T9D]

..

 

[Ketchup]

If your customer needs 1 GB of RAM, I think you should stress to him that he also needs Windows XP. Much better OS, and it handles memory MUCH better than 98.

 

[EeyoreX]

I agree. While Windows 98 can be forced to work with 1GB of RAM (use the search, there is at least one thread detailing how to do this) I feel it is a waste. For one, when ever you force anything, there is an equal amount of resistance to the force. For another thing, Windows 98 can not properly address that much RAM, and certainly not effectively. If the customer feels the need 1GB of RAM it is very confusing to me why they wouldn't feel the needed Windows 2000/XP. Eihter OS handels that much RAM in a far superior manner than Windows 9x ever could.

\Dan

 

[BFG10K]

I agree with the general consensus here. It's possible to get it to work but if you need that much RAM to begin with you should definitely go with an NT based OS instead. Windows XP is perfect.

 

[Ketchup]

Originally posted by: BFG10K
Windows XP is perfect.

Well, I don't know if I'd go that far. It is worlds better than it's predecessors though.