Low On Virtual Memory

[russianrobert]

My computer is low on virtual memory and is running very slowly. I have deleted unwanted programes and files and that hasn't helped much.

What else can i do?

Cheers

[webfact]

Which OS do you run?

How much total memory is installed?

Check (if Windows) the settings of the "swap file"

Is it set to a fixed value or "let windows decide"?

[sjaak327]

Increase your ram would be the first thing to do here.

Having said that, it would help if you state the current installed Ram and which OS you are running.

Edited October 11, 2009 by sjaak327

[russianrobert]

I'm running Win.XP Professional

I've got 768 MB RAM

How do i check the settings of the 'swap file'?

[Smile4u]

from windows help and support :

When your computer does not have enough memory for all the actions it is trying to perform, Windows and your programs can stop working. To help prevent information loss, Windows will notify you when your computer is low on memory. You can also learn to recognize the signs of low memory and take steps to prevent the problem.

What are the signs of low memory?

Signs of low memory include poor performance, low memory or out of memory notifications, and display problems. For example, if you try to open a menu in a program when your computer is low on memory, the program might respond slowly or appear to stop responding. If the menu appears, it might not respond when you try to click an item or it might not display all items. If you click a menu item, the menu might also disappear and leave a blank area on the screen instead of displaying the contents of the document or file in which you're working.

Why do low memory problems occur?

Your computer has two types of memory, random access memory (RAM) and virtual memory. All programs use RAM, but when there is not enough RAM for the program you're trying to run, Windows temporarily moves information that would normally be stored in RAM to a file on your hard disk called a paging file. The amount of information that is temporarily stored in a paging file is also referred to as virtual memory. Using virtual memory—in other words, moving information to and from the paging file—frees up enough RAM for programs to run correctly.

Low memory problems occur when your computer runs out of RAM and becomes low on virtual memory. This can happen when you run more programs than the RAM installed on the computer is designed to support. Low memory problems can also occur when a program does not free up memory that it no longer needs. This problem is called memory overuse or a memory leak.

How to prevent low memory problems

Running fewer programs at one time can prevent low memory problems and information loss. It's a good idea to observe which programs show signs of low memory conditions and try not to run them at the same time.

However, it’s not always convenient or practical to run a limited number of programs. Signs of low memory can indicate that the computer needs more RAM to support the programs you use. 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. Although increasing the paging file size can help prevent low memory problems, it can also make your programs run more slowly. Because your computer reads information from RAM much faster than from a hard disk (where the paging file is), making too much virtual memory available to programs will slow them down.

For more information, see Change the size of virtual memory.

Install more RAM

If you see signs of low memory or if Windows warns you about a low memory problem, check the information that came with your computer or contact the computer manufacturer to determine which type of RAM is compatible with your computer, and then install more RAM. To install RAM, check the information provided by the manufacturer.

For more information, see Find out how much RAM your computer has.

Determine if a program overuses memory

If the computer becomes low on memory whenever you run certain programs, one or more of those programs might have a memory leak. To stop a memory leak, you need to close the program. To repair a memory leak, you need to check for updates for the program or contact the publisher of the software.

To determine which program is using the most memory, follow these steps:

Click to open Task Manager.

Click the Processes tab.

To sort programs by memory usage, click Memory (Private Working Set).

You can also check for program errors and troubleshooting information using Event Viewer:

Click to open Event Viewer.‌ If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

In the left pane, click Applications and Services Logs to view error events. To see a description of the problem, double-click the event. To see if troubleshooting information is available, look for a link to online Help.

What is virtual memory?

If your computer lacks the random access memory (RAM) needed to run a program or operation, Windows uses virtual memory to compensate.

Virtual memory combines your computer’s RAM with temporary space on your hard disk. When RAM runs low, virtual memory moves data from RAM to a space called a paging file. Moving data to and from the paging file frees up RAM to complete its work.

The more RAM your computer has, the faster your programs will generally run. If a lack of RAM is slowing your computer, you might be tempted to increase virtual memory to compensate. However, your computer can read data from RAM much more quickly than from a hard disk, so adding RAM is a better solution.

Virtual memory and error messages

If you receive error messages that warn of low virtual memory, you need to either add more RAM or increase the size of your paging file so that you can run the programs on your computer. Windows usually manages the size automatically, but you can manually change the size of virtual memory if the default size is not enough for your needs. For more information, see Change the size of virtual memory.

Tips : install minimum 2GB Ram

Edited October 11, 2009 by Smile4u

[PeaceBlondie]

I get that message several times per day. Windows XP. I doubled my ram a few years ago, Do I need a defibrillator?

[spacemunk]

Virtual Memory is your computer using your hard drive as RAM. RAM is critical for your computers performance, saying that you have run out of it means that your computer is running more programs that it can currently handle. To increase it manually you can right click on 'my computer' go to properties then click on the advanced tab, under performance click settings, click on the advanced tab, and in the virtual memory click change. I wouldn't recommend going higher than the total amout of actual RAM times 1.5, going any higher might actually slow your system down. Also since your Hard Drive is actually a little slower than the RAM itself, so if possible, you might want to buy more RAM for your computer. If not, virtual memory is the free way to go.

To increase VM on Windows XP (should be in similar locations for other versions) look in Control Panel: System, Advanced, Performance Settings, Advanced, Virtual Memory.

Edited October 11, 2009 by spacemunk

[endure]

Virtual Memory Low—What to Do?

01.31.07

discuss Total posts: 20

Question: What do I do to fix the virtual memory when it is too low? -Chris Parks

Solution: I assume that you got a little balloon in the bottom right-hand corner announcing that your virtual memory is low and that Windows is adjusting it. If this happens just once, don't worry—as the message said, Windows found a problem and fixed it. But if it happens repeatedly, it could be that your settings don't allow Windows to make the necessary adjustment. First, make sure your drive isn't overly full. In Windows Explorer, right-click the drive icon and choose Properties. If the amount of free space is under about 10 percent, you'll need to free up some space. You can use the Disk Cleanup button right next to the free space indicator, or manually move some files to off-line storage, or uninstall unnecessary applications—whatever it takes to get more free space.

If low drive space isn't the problem, the virtual-memory settings may be wrong. Right-click My Computer and choose Properties. Click the Advanced tab. Click the Settings button in the Performance panel. Click the Advanced tab in the Performance dialog. Click the Change button in the Virtual memory panel. Whew! This setting is buried quite thoroughly! Look for the System managed size option, select it if it isn't already selected, and then click OK, OK, OK. That should end the warnings.

[sjaak327]

Look here for page file :

http://www.petri.co.il/pagefile_optimization.htm

Best advice is to increase your ram, look in the manual what type it supports, and increase your memory to say 2GB.

[d0ndela]

To easily find out what type of memory your computer supports, use this small tool: http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/index.aspx it's a very handy website for finding out what kind of memory all (pretty much) computer models support.

Just tick the checkbox to accept terms and click the download button, accept whatever the installer asks you and the website will reload to show the results of the system scan.

[newtronbom]

I have 8 GB DDR3 RAM and I don't think it enough. Depends on what you are doing! Virtual RAM is too slow - but helps. You can never have enough Ram if you are into anything but the net!

[ballbreaker]

OP you might want to check the total number of processes you have running because that is the most common cause of slow downs. Hold down Ctrl and Alt keys and hit Del key and this will bring up Windows Task Manager. Select processes tab and see how many processes you have running.

With your amount of RAM you want to minimize the number of processes you have running.

[PeaceBlondie]

I'm not the OP, but I just now checked 'processes.' Huge list, maybe 50. Can I clean it up?

[Smile4u]

PeaceBlondie: 50 processes only? - that not much. Vista in idle use 70 processes and up.

Dangerous to tweak (clean up). Dont do it if you dont know what you're doing. Disable them 1 by 1 and write down what process you stop. If problems later you enable that process again.

Faster CPU, Dual or Quad core go cheap these days 4-6K (check what CPU your mainboard support).

If you're a heavy multitasker (get CPU with 3-12MB cashe), this might be what the doctor ordered.

[astral]

Unless you are using large applications for photo or video editing 1Gb should be sufficient for XP.

I have 2Gb installed but never seem to see the second half in use.

[ballbreaker]

I'm not the OP, but I just now checked 'processes.' Huge list, maybe 50. Can I clean it up?

Yes you can clean it up but as another poster said you must be careful.

If your running Windows start by doing the following:

1. Select your Start button then Run and type "msconfig" (no quotes) and enter.

2. System Configuration Utility window will appear.

3. Next select startup tab and you will see a list of programs that are started.

You can uncheck the ones you don't want started but as mentioned be careful

and do some research. The Startup Item and Command column should give you

a clue but you might need to Google the last part of Command column for info on

what it does (example: nerocheck.exe).

4. The next tab you select would be Services. Most of these but not all are windows processes

but some items that get run at startup can be found here.

[PeaceBlondie]

Since virtually rejiggering my XP virtual memory, 24 hours ago, the low sign hasn't popped up again. Now to remodulate the axion fragalyzer to deliver 9 tetravolts of baked beans......