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1) my opinion : 4 gigs is overkill = wasted money
2) 32 -bit versions of Windows only recognizes slightly over 3 gigs... this is coded in and can't be changed. If you install 4 gigs... the rest can be used by hardware -- but it won't be seen by Windows.
3) You can go with a 64-bit OS... but then drivers become an issue. M$ claims they should be "backward compatible"... but this does not always work.
64-bits will be the standard eventually but it will take some time for every maker to get onboard.

So really if i get a 2gb kit that should be more then enough for wat i would want without going overkill

Yeh 2gb sounds fine. If you need to run a lot of large applications, you could always consider 3gb.

In most cases, yes.

It depends on what you are using it for...
Gaming(depends on which game), or CadCam, or movie-editing need big drives/fast CPU's/ and lots of RAM. They are memory-intensive.

but 4 gigs --?
a few years ago 4 gigs was not even available....
If you really feel your needs are for 4 gigs-- you will have to upgrade more than RAM... in my opinion.
Like perhaps Mobo/RAM/Video card/Processor-- and perhapsd OS.

If you really want to get the biggest bang-per-buck out of just a RAM upgrade-- I can PM our local hardware enthusiast-- who could suggest the fastest RAM (a bit more $ involved)

If you buy really top-tier RAM sticks (like for gamers)--
you will pay a bit more...but you will get max benefit for your current system. Without having to upgrade everything else.

I confess he knows more about RAM-timings/CPU models/etc-- than I. He's into the Gaming thing-- which is where they "push the envelope" for the rest of us

Interesting, cpu-z says you have a MS-6764 MOBO. That is an AMD board. Yet you are using an Intel P4. I bet cpu-z messed up. You definately need to identify the board you are using. Open up your case and check around the bar code. You can also check the screen while your computer is booting up.

It is indeed strange that to ordinarily reliable system scanners...
one at Crucial... and CPU-Z apparently could not accurately scan your system...
What Firewall/AV-- other security apps are you running?

It has, AVG 8 , also has virgin PC guard.
Neither of those should interfere , specifically with the CPu-z scanner as its on the pc ?

ih8bills , gaming is a no go, only games i use are old ones lol .
Video editing is rare so i believe standard 2gb/3gb will probably be more then enough.
Not really looking to upgrade the system, just to help it along if you know what i mean.
Ifi get chance will open up the case tomorrow , or i may just re-start and see what it states lol