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Q222974: Windows NT 4.0 Enterprise Edition Does Not Use More Than 256 MB

Article: Q222974
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): winnt:4.0,4.0 SP4
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbenv kbsetup
Last Modified: 18-OCT-1999

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition versions 4.0, 4.0 SP4 
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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.

Additional query words:

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbenv kbsetup 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNT400xsearch kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTSEntSearch kbWinNTSEnt400sp4 kbWinNTSEnt400 kbWinNTS400xsearch
Version           : winnt:4.0,4.0 SP4
Hardware          : ALPHA x86
Issue type        : kbprb

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