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How to know when to use the /PAE switch

Hi,
I have a Windows server running Server 2003 Enterprise Edition SP2 with only 4gb of memory, I have just bought another 28GB of RAM to put the server to 32GB.
Question is if i install the RAM, will my Dell Poweredge server 2900 auto pick this up or do I have to use the /PAE swith also I have 2 other servers running Server 2003 Standard x64 Edition SP2 and the same question applies to them
cheers

Brian Pierce

You must use the /PAE switch if you install more than 4Gb RAM if you want windows to see it.

the /PAE switch is only applicable to Enterprise Edition - Standard Edition is limited to 4Gb - no switch will make any difference

Techno-Man-uk

ASKER

I thought Standard Edition x64 would support over 64GB of RAM?

SOLUTION

oBdA

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Techno-Man-uk

ASKER

Great, one more stupid question how do i know if my memory is hot swappable?

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Brian Pierce

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Techno-Man-uk

ASKER

here is my current PAE switch

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Windows Server 2003, Enterprise" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn

do i just add /PAE to the end like so

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Windows Server 2003, Enterprise" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn /PAE

Brian Pierce

yep..