SDRAM above 512 Mb and Win98

[projet_argos]

Hello everybody, one of my friends directed me here when I described him my computer problem.
I hope I am not missing something really obvious and I don't make you loose any time by reading this.

I am running Win98 with 512 Mb of SDRAM
I tried to add another stick of 512 Mb of memory to my system.
It has the same frequency as the preceding one albeit it's from another constructor.

When I start my computer, the memory check is successfull, everything runs smoothly until Win98 begins to load.

Each time I am using my 2 sticks, in whatever position, there will come an instant where my system reboots. The only way to have Win98 running is in "no failure" mode.

I think it's obvious that I need to change my OS in order to use the second stick but (and here are my questions):

- What OS should I use (a microsoft one) knowing that this machine is used mostly to play and create webpages ? (I have licenses for WinXP, Win2000, Win98 and Win95)

- Would you advice for this OS to just upgrade from 98 or format and install ?

- Why can't I upgrade my memory with this #@ff!!§§*$ of Win98 ? (well this question is not that important, I am just curious)

Thanks in advance
Argos

[doubledragon5]

First off welcome to PC MECH, second be a little more specific about your system manily motherboard type speed things of that nature. This would help to better answere your question.

Personally I think you are using way two much memory for Win 98. If I remember correctly someone else posted this same type of question a while ago and the reply was win 98 can't handle that much RAM. Also did you check to see how much memory your MB could handle? I'm sure if the ram check went ok than your safe, but better safe than sorry Double check to see that your not over loading your MB with two much memory.

As far as what kind of OS is good if your basically using it to create web pages, and play than I would say XP home is your best choice I have it and have absolutly no problems. A clean install is your best choice, just make sure if your using a upgrade version, you have your previous Windows OS available because XP will check to verify that you own a previous version of Windows.

Good Luck.:) :)

[galaxian]

Try adding a line to System.ini to place a limit on vcache

MaxFileCache=400000

This will limit the file cache to 400MBs

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q253912

Out of curiousity, what are you running that needs a GB of Ram?

[Blakhart]

NT, 2K, XP, and Linux(plus others) will run corectly with more ram.
Perhaps a os upgrade is in your future?
Welcome to PC Mech.....

[GaryRouth]

Hi projet_argos

That VCACHE fix posted by galaxian should work. It's a known limitation of Win98: but not a huge problem, since it's a pretty quick little OS for your average desktop. (Usually runs great under that amount of memory). Multi-tasking - which makes use of GB sizes of memory - is better handled by the OSs that Blakhart lists.

If your hard drive is big enough, you can have your cake and eat it to by creating a multi-boot system. Look at the links at the top of PCMech's pages, and you should see one titled "Multiple Operating System Setup": that will provide you with some info to see if that's the ticket for you.

& Welcome to PCMech . . .
...Gary

[projet_argos]

Thanks for the warm welcome ...

And for the informations !

Galaxian - here is something to feed your curiosity: I have nothing that needs 1 Gb of memory. My biggest consumer is an online game: everquest (yes I am ashamed) - which may use more than 256 Mb. I had some issues with the game and wished to raise the memory I used. Before taking any action, I discussed of it with my wife.
I purchased some memory, and some time later, she offered me another stick (she is so sweet), thinking I hadn't done the purchase.
So it's just because I own 2 sticks that I wish to use them. I don't really need them.

Concerning my system specifications, I am running an Athlon processor 1 Ghz from AMD on an ASUS motherboard of the A7V serie. I think that this combination of hardware accepts up to 1.5 Gb of memory.

So I see an operating system change in my future, indeed ...

Thanks again for your help
Regards
Argos

[galaxian]

Well, I guess if you have it, try to install it.

But, did you try the vcache fix?