Microsoft KB Archive/70181

How to Determine the Memory Available from DOS PSS ID Number: Q70181 Article last modified on 03-21-1991 PSS database name: PSS

MS-DOS

Summary:

To identify the amount of RAM installed and/or the amount of conventional memory available, do one of the following:

  If using DOS version 4.0 or 4.01, use the MEM command to report all memory types, where total memory equals conventional memory, and EMS equals expanded and XMS or extended memory. The MEM command is not available with earlier versions of DOS. -or-   Use the CHKDSK command to get info regarding conventional memory installed and available for program and data files. The last two items in the CHKDSK listing report memory information: 655360 total bytes memory (640K) (NOTE: May vary from computer to computer) XXXXXX bytes free (amount of available memory)   Press the RESET BUTTON on the computer to see a memory count during the power on self test (not available on all computers).   Turn the computer off and on again (from the DOS prompt) to see a memory count during the power on self test (not available on all computers.) 

Note: A “warm” boot (CTRL+ALT+DEL) usually does not produce a memory count.

Reference(s):

Product Support Technician

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1991.