32 bit Windows Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Should I install Windows 8.1 in 32 bit or 64 bit mode?

Posted on July 20, 2015

Question from Carolyn S.: Hi Rick. I have a 4 year old HP Desktop computer running Windows 7 – 32 bit.

I bought the Windows 8.1 DVD but I don’t know whether I should install it in 32 bit or 64 bit mode.

This computer has a 64 bit CPU but just 4GB of RAM that I plan to upgrade at some point. I’ve heard that the extra RAM won’t do any good unless I install 64 bit Windows.

If that’s true, do you think it’s worth installing the 64 bit version? What do you suggest?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Why is my computer not using all the installed RAM?

Posted on February 6, 2014

Question from Mark C.: I upgraded the RAM in my computer from 2GB to 8GB but Belarc Advisor says it only has 3.49GB installed.

Do you think I might have bought the wrong kind of RAM? I bought what the Memory Advisor at Crucial recommended for my laptop. Or maybe they just sent me some bad memory? How do I find out what the problem is?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]