Task Manager Incorrectly Reports Amount of Memory in Computers (269551)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server

This article was previously published under Q269551

SYMPTOMS

Memory usage in Task Manager incorrectly reports the amount of memory if the amount of physical memory on your computer is 10 gigabytes (GB) or more. Only the lowest seven digits of total physical memory are reported.

Also, the Memory Usage meter incorrectly displays memory usage if the amount of physical memory on your computer is 1 GB or more. On some computers where 100 percent of memory is being used, memory usage only displays the lowest 6 digits, and adjusts the memory meter to reflect that 6-digit number divided by the total amount of memory that is available on the computer.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because the Memory Usage meter is only able to display a maximum of six digits, and Total Physical Memory is only able to display a maximum of seven digits.

RESOLUTION

To work around this problem, note that you should not use Task Manager to track memory usage and system statistics. Instead, use Windows 2000 Performance Monitor (Sysmon.exe) to track memory usage and system statistics. To do so, click Start, click Run, type perfmon, and then press ENTER.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/3/2003
Keywords:kbbug kbnofix kbui KB269551