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I have a Windows Server 2008 R2 with native boot inside a VHD. It was running fine with 2 GB of RAM, and I tried to upgrade it to 6 GB. This caused a BSOD, and I haven't been able to fix in unless I remove the RAM.

I've tried several combinations, discarding a possible hardware failure. If I try to put more than 3 GB of RAM, it won't boot.

The host computer is a 32 bit Windows 7 Professional and the computer is a Dell Optiplex 745.

Just to clarify, I'm using a VHD to boot natively into Windows Server.

Any idea?

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    Clarify, what are you adding RAM to - the VM, or the physical host?
    – HopelessN00b
    Dec 29, 2012 at 0:46
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    Page 15 of the Optiplex 745 User's guide indicates max memory config of 8GB, at 533/667 MHz, or 4GB at 800 MHz, using 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, or 2 GB non-ECC sticks only -- 2-GB 800-MHz memory modules are not supported. Also, Windows 7 Pro 32bit has a limit of 4GB physical RAM.
    – jscott
    Dec 29, 2012 at 0:52
  • @HopelessN00b I've edited the post for clarification. jscott So according with your data, I shouldn't have any problem with this configuration: 2x2GB (800Mhz).
    – rlbisbe
    Dec 29, 2012 at 0:54
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    @rlbisbe Read the User's Guide again, it specifically states "2-GB 800-MHz memory modules are not supported."
    – jscott
    Dec 29, 2012 at 1:00
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    @jscott Write it as an answer so I can mark it :). Thanks
    – rlbisbe
    Dec 29, 2012 at 10:21

1 Answer 1

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The Dell Optiplex 745 User's Guide has details of the product's configuration. Of particular interest is page 56, where the memory specifications are detailed:

Memory Type 533, 667, or 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM

NOTE: 2-GB 800-MHz memory modules are not supported.

Memory connectors 4

Memory modules supported 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, or 2 GB non-ECC

Minimum memory dual-channel: 512 MB; single-channel: 256 MB

Maximum memory At 533 or 667 MHz: 8 GB At 800 MHz: 4 GB

I would appear that using 2GB 800Mhz modules is explicitly not supported. This would most likely explain the BSOD issues you're having.

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