Hi, I got some extra memory a few days ago, bringing it from 512Mb to 1.5 Gb, and I have a couple of questions.

(I checked the FAQ's first)

1. Do I need to completely re-install everything to get the full use of the extra memory?

and

2. I noticed an increase of speed in certain areas. I presume this is usual

Your thoughts on these anybody?

I'm not technically minded, as you can see

You don't need to re-install everything Joe.

As long as windows is detecting all the memory it should utilise all of it when necessary. Thats why you have seen a speed increase in situations where memory is used more intensely.

The one time memory isn't fully utilised is when 4GB or more of memory is being used. A 32 bit operating system has a limit of 4GB of memory, so a 64 bit operating system needs to be used.

Thanks for that Mart

BTW, Last night and tonight on startup the PC decided to first cut me off, and then give me a message saying something like "A serious error has occurred and windows will be shut down" also giving me the option to report to microsoft - The send or not send thing.

I didn't send it

It would seem to be linked to the extra memory, or it's a heck of a coincidence. What do you think?

I'm not looking forward to doing a complete back-to-factory setting, but it may be the only option

It could mean having to get the service pack/s again and probably losing any new programs I've added over the past 3-ish years

Sorry to be a pain

Thanks in advance
Joe

PS I just had the message again - apparently it was AVG (the e-mail scanner wasn't working)