Virtual Memory running low? Feb 13 2006
Q: This last week I had two of my customers ask me about the same problem. Periodically, they get a message ‘Virtual memory running low’ usually when they are running several programs.
First, let me give a brief explanation; Virtual Memory is a mechanism that Windows used to compensate for when RAM memory (the real physical memory that comes on a chip) was more expensive.
When your computer is working, it stores critical information in the RAM memory – this is the real, physical memory (like what you can purchase at an electronics store). Back in the old days, RAM memory was very expensive hence; it was available only in limited quantities. To compensate for the limited RAM memory, Windows cleverly created a mechanism that saves any ‘overflow’ on to the Hard Drive that pretends to be this RAM memory. This is the Virtual Memory and the amount of space dedicated on your Hard Drive to it can be adjusted.
A: There is a way to adjust the Virtual Memory on your computer so you won’t get this message. Here’s how:
In Windows XP:
1. Right click on your My Computer icon (either in your Start menu or Desktop)
2. Select ‘Properties’
3. Click the ‘Advanced’ tab
Under the Performance section
4. Click the ‘Settings’ button
In the Performance Options window:
5. Click the Advanced tab
Under the Virtual Memory section:
6. Click the ‘Change’ button
7. Select ‘System managed size’
8. Click the ‘Set’ button
9. Click OK at the message saying you have to restart your computer
10. Click OK
11. Click Apply
12. Click OK
13. Click OK to restart your computer
That’s it!
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