What is max ram for W98se?

mikeford

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Jan 27, 2001
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I have a system with a Iwill KK266 motherboard and each time I put more than 1 GB of ram on it,it passes bios tests, but dies instantly as Windows opens (actually it restarts). Normally I run 384 MB, but I just bought two sticks of 512 MB from Fry's and want to be sure the memory is ok before the 15 day returns is over. Seems to run fine with one 512 MB and one 256 MB, but two of the 512 MB and it restarts as windows loads.
W98se is as up to date as MS update site.
 

mikeford

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Jan 27, 2001
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Well eventually the faqs sort of point to this in MS knowledge base, ie known problem in 98se and earlier. 2 GB can be physically addressed, but more than 512 MB and you need to diddle stuff.

WORKAROUND
To work around this problem, use one of the following methods:

* Use the MaxFileCache setting in the System.ini file to reduce the maximum amount of memory that Vcache uses to 512 megabytes (524,288 KB) or less. For additional information about how to use the MaxFileCache setting, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

* Q108079 32-Bit File Access Maximum Cache Size Use the System Configuration utility to limit the amount of memory that Windows uses to 512 megabytes (MB) or less. For additional information about how to use the System Configuration utility, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

* Q181966 System Configuration Utility Advanced Troubleshooting Settings Reduce the amount of memory that is installed in your computer to 512 MB or less.
 

mikeford

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Jan 27, 2001
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Well I tried msconfig and set memory that windows uses to 512 mb, restarted and someplace during the systray stuff (all the junk like realplayer etc.) I get a hard freeze. My current fix was to go back into msconfig in safe mode and uncheck the windows uses x mb box. Working for now, but annoying to have problems with this level of thing (plenty of ram).

I think its best if maybe I just ask in a more knowledgable forum.
 

Sunner

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Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: mikeford
Well I tried msconfig and set memory that windows uses to 512 mb, restarted and someplace during the systray stuff (all the junk like realplayer etc.) I get a hard freeze. My current fix was to go back into msconfig in safe mode and uncheck the windows uses x mb box. Working for now, but annoying to have problems with this level of thing (plenty of ram).

I think its best if maybe I just ask in a more knowledgable forum.

Did you actually read http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=27?
 

ProviaFan

Lifer
Mar 17, 2001
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If you're running a program that needs that much RAM, you also need to be running an OS that can actually manage that RAM well. Get Windows 2000 or XP.
 

mikeford

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Jan 27, 2001
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W98se will address 2 GB of ram, apparently only with much fiddling though.

Yes I read the faq, followed the link from the faq to MS knowledgebase, did what it said and ended promptly in safe mode removing it. From brief checking via Google groups seems like a common enough problem, and it may need more diddling, as in many reported cases the faq fix didn't help.
 

AndyHui

Administrator Emeritus<br>Elite Member<br>AT FAQ M
Oct 9, 1999
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Did you change the settings in system.ini or not?

Those links in what I wrote were there for additional information. It was not necessary to follow them.
 

Insidious

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Oct 25, 2001
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2G ??????

When I was using 98se it stumbled with anything above 256MB (Probably ctk interface problems in my case :eek: )
 

mikeford

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Jan 27, 2001
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OK, now I am officially brave, I opened the system.ini and added the two lines

MinFileCache=65536
MaxFileCache=65536

I don't really have time tonight to stick in the extra memory and test what happens, but will do it and report back.
 

Sunner

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Oct 9, 1999
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Running anything that requires more than 512 MB of RAM on Win9x is brave enough in itself.
 

GroundZero

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Oct 17, 2002
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i'm running 98se, with 4 sticks of pc133 256 ,on a p3 750 mhz cpu.
have never had to mess with anything and it runs fine. as far as i know 98se will utilise 512 megs of ram for the os, but will handle up to 2 gigs, depending on the mb.i use several apps that use the whole gig of ram on my system.
try checking compatibility issues with your mb and your ram.
 

ProviaFan

Lifer
Mar 17, 2001
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Originally posted by: Sunner
Running anything that requires more than 512 MB of RAM on Win9x is brave enough in itself.
Exactly my point. Yes, Windows 98 can utilize that much RAM, but if you're doing the multitasking with huge apps to require that, Windows 98 is going to limit you elsewhere. With that much RAM you have no excuse not to be running a Windows NT based OS. And don't tell me you don't want to / can't afford a license for Win2k. Getting the OEM version is cheap, and can be purchased from any online retailer along with your RAM. If you've got enough money for that much RAM, you can afford a decent OS, too.