Windows 10: Error 0164, Memory size decreased – RAM issue on Windows 10 computer

Windows 10 PC users, most especially those using Lenovo ThinkCentre M Series computers, are reporting memory issues, whereby after installing RAM or removing an already installed RAM, when they boot their computer, two fast beeps are emitted, followed by the Error 0164: Memory size decreased screen. In this post, we will provide the most suitable solutions to this issue.



Error 0164: Memory size decreased


If you’re faced with this issue, you can try either of our recommended solutions below and see if that helps to resolve the issue.

1. Change BIOS setting
2. Clear CMOS

Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.

1] Change BIOS setting


Do the following:

• Press F1 to enter setup (BIOS). If the computer won’t boot into BIOS, see this post.
• Look for Load setup defaults and select it.
• Then save changes and exit.

If the Error 0164: Memory size decreased issue persists even after loading setup defaults, then it must be configured manually inside the BIOS.

Still in the BIOS, enable Configuration change notification under the Security tab.

3] Clear CMOS


You may require the services of a hardware technician.

Do the following:

• Turn off all peripheral devices connected to the computer.
• Disconnect the power cord from the AC power source.
• Remove the computer cover.
• Find the battery on the board. The battery may be in a horizontal or vertical battery holder, or connected to an onboard header with a wire.

If the battery is in a holder, note the orientation of the + and – on the battery. With a medium flat-blade screwdriver, gently pry the battery-free from its connector.

If the battery is connected to an onboard header with a wire, disconnect the wire from the onboard header.

• Wait one hour, then reconnect the battery.
• Put the computer cover back on.
• Plug the computer and all devices back in.
• Power on the computer.

The computer should boot normally without the error.

Read: Windows 10 PC will not boot up or start.

Hope this helps!


This article Error 0164, Memory size decreased – RAM issue on Windows 10 computer first appeared on TheWindowsClub.com.

read more...

 

Issues with total memory size of dedicated available RAM

Hello Gevorg,

Thank you for posting your concern in Microsoft Community an we regret for the inconvenience.

From the description provided, I understand that the motherboard you are using has 4 DIMM slots which supports up to 8 GB of dedicated RAM.

To be able to understand the issue better. let us know how are you viewing the total memory size of dedicated available RAM in your PC.

Now, in one case, if you are using more than one module of RAM, and the frequencies at which they operate are not the same. There will be two outcomes:

• The modules will conflict in terms of DIMM frequencies and it will declare memory failure.
• Instead of downclocking one or more RAM/s, the motherboard will reject the ones from being accepted.

In order to ascertain if the hardware is correctly configured, I suggest you to check the system information in the BIOS settings. Refer to the manufacturer provided manual to know more about on how to access the BIOS settings.

In another scenario, your computer may also be allocating part of your RAM to other hardware modules, such as your network hardware.

As a secondary workout, I suggest you to increase the Virtual Memory and check if it helps. Follow the steps below.

• 
  Click Windows key + R to open the RUN command utility and type
  msconfig.exe, then press ENTER.
  
• 
  Click on Boot option and select advanced options.
  
• 
  Check the maximum memory box and change the value accordingly.
  
• 
  Click on Apply and Ok to save changes and click Restart the computer.
  

Hope the above information is helpful.

Thank You.

 

Windows 10 Critical Error low memory

Hi Michelle,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I understand that you are getting Critical errors on Windows 10. I will certainly help you.

I suggest you to follow the steps recommended by me on November 25, 2015
if the Start menu fails to work from below link and check if it resolves the issue.

START BUTTON / TASK BAR UNRESPONSIVE

Signs of low memory include poor performance, low-memory or out-of-memory notifications, and display problems. Your computer has two types of memory, random access memory (RAM) and virtual memory. Low memory problems occur when your computer runs out of
RAM and becomes low on virtual memory.

Here are the recommended ways to solve or prevent low memory problems:

• Increase the paging file (virtual memory) size

Windows automatically attempts to increase the paging file size the first time your computer becomes low on memory, but you can also manually increase it up to a maximum size that is determined by the amount of RAM installed. Here's how:

1. Launch File Explorer or press Windows logo + E keys, and then
right click on This PC, select Properties.

2. Click on Advanced system settings on left panel.

3. On the Advanced tab, under Performance, click
Settings.

4. Click the Advanced tab, and then, under
Virtual memory, click Change.

5. Clear the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives
check box.

6. Under Drive [Volume Label], click the drive that contains the paging file you want to change.

7. Click Custom size, type a new size in megabytes in the Initial size (MB) or Maximum size (MB) box, click Set, and then click OK.

Note: Increases in size usually don't require a restart for the changes to take effect, but if you decrease the size, you'll need to restart your computer. We recommend that you don't disable or delete the paging file.

• Install more RAM and determine if a program overuses memory in Task Manager. Here's how:

1. Open Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar.

2. Click the Processes tab and sort programs by memory usage under
Memory.

Hope this helps. If the issue remains unresolved, please get back to us and we would be happy to help.

 

Windows 10 & Problems With System and Compressed Memory Taking Up All Of The Computer's RAM

Ive also already ran the Memory Diagnostic Tool hundreds to thousands of times every time System and Compressed Memory is shown to be using all of my computer's RAM/Memory and it too has stated that there are no problems with my computer's Memory/RAM either.
I've also ran it after many restarts to clear up System and Compressed Memory so that it isn't using all of my computer's Memory/RAM until the next time it does it again and again. It's always after a few hours of use with the computer and it doesn't matter
if anything is being used or if the computer is idle. It is even worse directly after waking the computer up from it going to Windows 10's login screen or should I say the pictured (screensaver) screen.

I can easily post a screenshot taken with my iPad of the fact that the Memory Diagnostic Tool shows that there is no memory problems whatsoever either!