Error Message: Insufficient Memory to Initialize Windows (KB Article 184447)

System TipThis article applies to a different version of Windows than the one you are using. Content in this article may not be relevant to you. 

This article was previously published under Q184447

SYMPTOMS

If your computer has 1 gigabyte (GB) or more of random-access memory (RAM) installed, Windows may not start. Also, when you try to start your computer, you may receive the following error message: 

Insufficient memory to initialize Windows. 

Quit one or more memory-resident programs or remove unnecessary utilities from your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files, and restart your computer.

This behavior may also occur during Windows Setup, or when you try to start Windows for the first time.

RESOLUTION

To work around this issue, add the following line to the [386enh] section of the System.ini file: 

   MaxPhysPage=30000

                           

This limits the amount of physical RAM that Windows can access to 768 MB. To do so, use the following steps: 

1.       Use any text editor (such as Notepad) to edit the System.ini file.

2.       Add the following line in the [386Enh] section of the file 

3.        MaxPhysPage=30000

4.   

                                                

5.       Save the file, and then restart your computer.

If this problem occurs during Windows Setup, use the following steps to resolve the issue: 

1.       Restart your computer. When you see the "Starting Windows 95" message, press the F8 key, and then choose Command Prompt Only from the Startup menu. 

For Windows 98, restart your computer, press and hold down the CTRL key until the Startup menu appears, and then choose Command Prompt Only.

2.       Change to the folder into which you are attempting to install Windows.

3.       Edit the System.ini file. To do so, type edit system.ini, and then press ENTER.

4.       Add the following line in the [386Enh] section of the file 

5.        MaxPhysPage=30000

6.   

                                                 

7.       Save the file, and then restart your computer. Windows Setup should continue.