Microsoft KB Archive/222974

= Windows NT 4.0 Enterprise Edition Does Not Use More Than 256 MB of RAM =

Article ID: 222974

Article Last Modified on 11/1/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Enterprise Edition
 * Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4

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This article was previously published under Q222974



SYMPTOMS
After you install Windows NT Server 4.0, Enterprise Edition, the operating system may not use all available memory if you have more than 256 megabytes (MB) of RAM installed.



CAUSE
During the installation process, the "/maxmem=256" switch is added to the Boot.ini file. This switch is added to prevent problems that may occur when the Windows NT base code is installed on computers with more than 256 MB of RAM. The Windows NT base code is installed first during a normal Enterprise Edition installation.

When you reboot the computer after the installation is complete, the operating system is limited to using the first 256 MB of available memory unless you remove the "/maxmem=256" switch from the Boot.ini file.



RESOLUTION
To correct this issue, remove the "/maxmem=256" switch from the Boot.ini file:
 * 1) Use any text editor (such as Notepad) to open the Boot.ini file. Note that the Boot.ini file is a hidden file located in the root folder of the boot drive.
 * 2) Locate the line that contains the "/maxmem=256" switch.
 * 3) Remove the line, or disable it by placing a semicolon  at the beginning of the line.
 * 4) Save the Boot.ini file, and then quit the text editor.
 * 5) Restart the computer.



MORE INFORMATION
If you install Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition, directly from the CD-ROM, the installation process automatically removes this switch. If you perform the installation using floppy disks or using an unattended installation process, the switch remains and must be removed manually.

Keywords: kbenv kbprb kbsetup KB222974

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