Why 32bit OS?

I have XPS 1640 with 4 GB of memory . And the OS was 32bit so its detect only 3 GB RAM . Now what can I do ?

Hi, A 32 bit OS can only see 3.25GB of 4GB of ram. The only thing you can do is, do a clean install of a 64 bit version of your OS, which will see all 4GB of ram.

Technically, a 32-bit OS can use 4GB, but because Windows must reserve some of those addresses to manage the hardware of your system, you will never see all 4GB available to Windows.  Depending on the hardware in your system, it could be higher or even much lower than 3.25GB.  As Robin said, the only thing you can do to reclaim "some" of that memory is to install a 64-bit operating system, as 64-bit OS's can see/use much more than 4GB.  HOWEVER, at 4GB, depending on the devices in your PC and how your system maps memory for the OS to use, you still may not get all 4GB available to the OS even on a 64-bit system (for example, it may only go up to 3.5, 3.75, etc.).

You need to first obtain a 64 bit Dell Windows disc. A friend might have one. Back up all your data and make sure you have a means of installing all the programs you have currently installed before proceeding with an install.

Note if its Windows 7 Professional/Home Premium you may use a retail .iso file such as these and burn it to a disc. (Use your product key at the base of your laptop) in conjunction with the disc. (Other users have reported that these work with Dell Product Keys/Dell Systems).

You have all your dell Drivers here, just select your correct OS. Install the 64 bit version with the drivers installed in the correct order and you're good to go.

thank all of you broth,

but my question is do I need to buy new copy of 64bit OS ?

or Dell will provide me one?because I think they should give me one in the first place?!!?

hi its a case of you needing a disc to install the 64 bit OS, you do not need to buy another one, your code can be used with a 64 bit disc. What is it in particular, OS e.g. Windows 7 Home Premium?

No, Dell will not provide you one - they probably won't even sell you the disk without you purchasing a full Retail version.  You purchased it with 32-bit (whether you chose it specifically, or bought it preconfigured), from the sounds of it, without fully understanding what it meant.  You don't necessarily need to purchase a new 64-bit version of Windows 7 ... just the disk (the license - sticker - is the expensive part).  You would need to locate the 64-bit media though - you might be able to purchase one on eBay, borrow one from a friend, your local tech shop might have one, etc.  In my opinion, it may not be worth the time, effort, and/or expense, as you probably won't end up with the full 4GB available anyway.

If they are both Windows 7 Home Premium then it is legal, if prompted for activation use the product key attached to the system that you are installing Windows 7 on.

Note cannot "upgrade" must do a clean install if going from 32 bit to 64 bit.

Hello The Flash 1932, i recently purchased a dell vostro 3750 64 bit win7 home premium that came with an operating system and drivers cds . Can i use that to upgrade another dell vostro 32 bit desk top ? .Would that be legal ? thanks

As pointed out, you can use the disk for your other Dell computer, as long as it is the same Edition (Home Premium).

Ok thanks , so if you buy a retail version of windows that can be loaded on 3 different computers  but the operating system discs are just meant for the original equipment , of course you can use to install windows on other computers but will need an activation code .