How to fix a program that's too big to fit into memory

Partition incompatibility

When installing an operating system, the error "Program too big to fit into memory" can be caused if the partition or FAT (file allocation table) is not supported by the operating system.

MS-DOS - Can only be installed on a FAT12 or FAT16 partition, not NTFS (NTFS file system) or FAT32.
Windows 95 OSR1 - Can only be installed on FAT16.
Windows 95 OSR2 - Can only be installed on FAT16 or FAT32.
Windows NT 4.0 - Can only be installed on a FAT16 or NTFS partition.

• Additional information about fdisk.
• Additional information about FAT32.

BIOS update issue

If you are encountering this issue when attempting to upgrade the computer BIOS, make sure the downloaded compressed file is not on the floppy diskette (unless otherwise instructed). If the compressed download file is on the same diskette as the extracted information, there may not be enough disk space and cause errors. The file downloaded should be saved to the hard drive and then extracted to the floppy diskette.

If this does not resolve your issue, we recommend you contact the computer or motherboard manufacturer for additional recommendations and help on successfully running the BIOS update.

Autoexec.bat or config.sys error

If you encounter the error "Program too big to fit into memory" on computer startup, a line or TSR (terminate-and-stay-resident) loading in the autoexec.bat and config.sys is likely causing the issue.

If your computer is running Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows 98, we recommend you verify the emm386.exe and himem.sys are being loaded. If this does not resolve the issue, attempt to temporarily remark or remove any lines that may not be needed from the autoexec.bat or config.sys.

Windows 95 and Windows 98 users may also want to consider temporarily renaming the autoexec.bat and config.sys. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Click Start, Settings, Shutdown, and Restart the computer in MS-DOS mode.
2. At the MS-DOS prompt, type:

cd\ <press Enter>
ren autoexec.bat autoexec.ch <press Enter>
ren config.sys config.ch <press Enter>

Once the above files are renamed, reboot the computer to determine if the issue is resolved.

• How to get to an MS-DOS prompt or Windows command line.
• Autoexec.bat and config.sys information.

Computer virus

Verify the computer has the latest virus definition or dat update. Computer viruses can cause this issue or other memory related issues.

Software issue

If you are encountering this issue with a specific piece of software, check with the software vendor or developer for any available fixes, patches, or software updates.