Vista 64-bit Ultimate and 4GB of memory

[beefheart]

I have built a PC with the following specs

Hardware:

Graphics:
EVGA 384-P3-N966-TR GeForce 9600 GSO 384MB 192-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

Two of the above cards will be setup in SLI mode

CPU:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600

Memory [4GB Total]:
OCZTECH 1GB DDR2 PC2-8500 SLI x4

Heatsink:
Xigmatek HDT-1283 Heatsink

Hard Drive
SATA 3.0GBps

EVGA 750i FTW SLI Mobo

I started to install Vista 64 Ultimate and after initial install got a BSOD with an error "irql_not_less_or_equal" . A search indicates that Vista (64-bit) will not install on a system with >3G memory. One option is to pull memory out , install the OS, deploy the patch [that fixes the max RAM issue] or install SP1 (which supposedly has the fix as well ??) then reinstall the 2 sticks of memory again, back to 4GB. It will be very painful for me to unhook, unwire and pull the memory etc.

I am able to get to the 'safe mode' menu (but not boot to safe mode itself). Is there any way to complete this without the physical extraction of memory ?

Thanks

beefheart

 

[bsobel]

Get a Vista SP1 install disk, otherwise pull the memory.

 

[CalvinHobbes]

I've never had this issue with vista x64 or any other 64bit OS and I've had more than 4GB in these machines. You could use something like Nlite or Vlite to slipstream the service pack into your vista installation if that really is what the problem is.

 

[beefheart]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929777

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: CalvinHobbes
I've never had this issue with vista x64 or any other 64bit OS and I've had more than 4GB in these machines. You could use something like Nlite or Vlite to slipstream the service pack into your vista installation if that really is what the problem is.

Its a known release bug that effects CERTAIN motherboards. If you have the issue, you'll get the BSOD during install. If you dont then install works. The only two fixes are install with a sp1 disk or do the memory yank.

 

[Tarrant64]

Originally posted by: bsobel

Originally posted by: CalvinHobbes
I've never had this issue with vista x64 or any other 64bit OS and I've had more than 4GB in these machines. You could use something like Nlite or Vlite to slipstream the service pack into your vista installation if that really is what the problem is.

Its a known release bug that effects CERTAIN motherboards. If you have the issue, you'll get the BSOD during install. If you dont then install works. The only two fixes are install with a sp1 disk or do the memory yank.

I wish I knew that months ago. I did end up pulling the memory but the amount of time I spent troubleshooting almost killed me. I was pretty much in denial about having to pull memory or use a sp1 disk.