smbios problem

i have a problem with my smbios, dont know how to solve it my self, hopefully some one here will know how to tackle this, i have windows xp home have 512 mb memory installed windows recognizes 512, sometimes 256 depending on what program i run to tell me how much memory is installed, but the smbios always only recognizes 256, does this make any sense? here is part of the smbios report, if needed i will post the rest, thanks in advance for any help any one has.


== Memory Device (type 17, handle 002E, length 23) ==
Array Handle = 2D
Error Info Handle = FFFF
Total Width (bits) = 0
Data Width (bits) = 0
Size = Not Installed
Form Factor = RIMM
Device Set = 1
Device Locator = RIMM 1
Bank Locator = (empty)
Memory Type = DRAM
Type Detail = |Synchronous|
Manufacturer = (null)
Serial Number = (null)

== Memory Device (type 17, handle 002F, length 23) ==
Array Handle = 2D
Error Info Handle = FFFF
Total Width (bits) = 16
Data Width (bits) = 16
Size = 256 MB
Form Factor = RIMM
Device Set = 2
Device Locator = RIMM 2
Bank Locator = (empty)
Memory Type = DRAM
Type Detail = |Synchronous|
Manufacturer = (null)
Serial Number = (null)

== Memory Device (type 17, handle 0030, length 23) ==
Array Handle = 2D
Error Info Handle = FFFF
Total Width (bits) = 0
Data Width (bits) = 0
Size = Not Installed
Form Factor = RIMM
Device Set = 3
Device Locator = RIMM 3
Bank Locator = (empty)
Memory Type = DRAM
Type Detail = |Synchronous|
Manufacturer = (null)
Serial Number = (null)

== Memory Device (type 17, handle 0031, length 23) ==
Array Handle = 2D
Error Info Handle = FFFF
Total Width (bits) = 0
Data Width (bits) = 0
Size = Not Installed
Form Factor = RIMM
Device Set = 4
Device Locator = RIMM 4
Bank Locator = (empty)
Memory Type = DRAM
Type Detail = |Synchronous|
Manufacturer = (null)
Serial Number = (null)

Swap it with some other ram and see what it does. If that report is arranged by the memory slots on the computer, then it looks like your #2 dram is at fault. But if WinXP reports it being 512, then it should be 512.

I assume you know how to get into DX diagnostics? Well go to the start>Run> and type "dxdiag" without the " "

Check there how much is installed. If it says 512, don;t worry about it, its prolly a glitch. If it says 256, you may want to check your ram.

I've never heard of this problem. You may want to post this in the storage/memory section of the forums- you may get better responces.

thanks very much for your reply, im going to try that command right now, i know a few things but im still learning, your help is most apreciated. i just tried that command and it told me 512, GREAT! its just a glitch, thats great news, thanks for your help i had no idea it would have been that easy!

Bill