How to release Hardware Reserved Memory????

Discussion in 'Windows Server' started by ramg1967, Jan 10, 2018.

  1. ramg1967

    ramg1967 MDL Member

    Sep 13, 2012
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    Hello All - I am looking for help on how to release hardware reserved memory on a desktop that is running server 2016? The details are as follows:
    ASUS Motherboard (P7P55D) with 16GB Memory
    Operating System - Server 2016

    The resource monitor (RESMON) shows 16GB memory but it has reserved 8GB memory for hardware. I tried everything (BIOS Update, Reg Hack, MSCONFIG - Boot - Max Memory) None of them helped so far. Unable to use entire 16GB memory. What a shame of not able to use 8GB reserved memory. With available 8GB memory, I can run just One virtual machine and it is very sluggish. Appreciate your help.

    Ram
     
  2. TigTex

    TigTex MDL Senior Member

    Oct 5, 2009
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    Does your system see the full 16gb of ram on the bios? You might have "Above 4G Decoding" or "memory realocation" disabled on bios.
    Burn a cd with memtest86+ a boot from it. Check if it sees and can test all the 16gb of ram. If it does, it's something related with your operating system.
     
  3. dhjohns

    dhjohns MDL Guru

    Sep 5, 2013
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  4. Flipp3r

    Flipp3r MDL Expert

    Feb 11, 2009
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    Have you run a memtest on the ram? Does it test the full 16GB? I have had a few systems show the correct size but not address it all in the past.
    ie, Memtest shows 16gb but only testing 8.
    Each occasion it was just a matter of re-seating the ram module... (I normally also spray the contacts with contact cleaner)...
     
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  5. ramg1967

    ramg1967 MDL Member

    Sep 13, 2012
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    I will run memtest tomorrow and update the post. I am running Server 2016 on my laptop that has 32GB. The hardware memory reserved is only 490MB. Not sure why the desktop is having such an issue which is also running same OS.

    Yes the BIOS does reflect 16GB as total memory. All 4 slots of equal 4GB (same model, speed and manufacturer).

    Thanks for your input.

    Ram
     
  6. ramg1967

    ramg1967 MDL Member

    Sep 13, 2012
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    Did memory test. No issue with memory stick. Still no luck in fixing hardware reserved memory on Server 2016.

    Finally installed Windows 10 Pro on the desktop and checked RESMON - Hardware reserved memory is only 2MB. Don't get it why Server 2016 was reserving 8GB. Anyway will enable Hyper-v role on Win 10 Pro and create 2 VM to run Server 2016.

    Can't think or come up with any other solution than installing fresh Windows 10 Pro on the desktop.

    Thanks for your help and input.

    Ram