Virtual Memory

[Fey390]

I keep getting a window that says that my virtual memory is low and that Windows is trying to increase it.
Is there something I can do to stop this as each time it happens, my computer runs very slow.

[colinmcl]

You can increase your swap.page file size, delete your swap/page file, in fact...

here is a good walkthrough.

Windows Virtual Memory

[Fey390]

Thanks for the link.
Unfortunately, I am a complete thicko when it comes to computers and didn't understand a word of it. Has any body got anything that an idiot could understand?

[monosodium]

ok - try this (instructions are for Windows XP)...

click Start
right-click "My Computer"
click Properties then advanced then the top settings button (for memory usage and virtual memory)
Click Advanced then Change
Set it to "custom" and where you have the two figures for Initial and Maximum size - set them both to about double the size of RAM you have on the machine (see below).
then OK out of all the menus

SO for example, my system has 2gb of ram (approx 2000 Mb) and so my page file is set at 3000 for both the initial and maximum size.

[Fey390]

That's brilliant - just the sort of info I need........just one problem.....it was already set up like that! However I think I might have found out what the problem is - I only have 224MB Ram. I assume this means I have the weakest computer that I could have. Can I buy more memory, and is it easy to install?

[monosodium]

224Mb is a really odd amount of memory to have... Usually memory is made in steps of powers of 2 (which 224 isn't), But unless you're going to be editing videos or doing some hardcore graphics work then you shouldn't hit that very often. But if you're hitting the limit of your virtual memory then your system is in trouble somehow so an upgrade is a good start.

If you know what you're doing then it is cheap to get and easy to install, the biggest problem being knowing what kind you need as there are a number of different types with similar desgnations. I wouldn't be happy about guiding you through it.

You may be able to find out what type you need _ through something like the crucial web site (www.crucial.com). Once you know what specification you need then you can either buy it there, or from another source like pc world (if you need it immediately) or something like eBuyer (www.ebuyer.com).

I'd suggest you assume that you're going to get rid of all the current ram you have, as the amount is odd so probably all the slots you could put ram into are full.

Installing it is a doddle, but it's easier to show than to explain. I'd get someone who "knows" to show you how to do this if you can. If you're really stuck or out on a limb then here's what to do.

If you follow these instructions then you should be safe. If you do blow up either youself, your machine, or your neighbourhood doing this then it is entirely your fault. If you've read this and don't feel that the instructions were clear then don't do it.

Do not take the memory out of the anti-static bag (yet).
Leave the machine plugged in, but turn it off at the mains! This will allow you to "ground" yourself in the absence of proper grounding straps. Pop the lid off and you should see the existing ram chips - they'll look like the ones you bought.

Touch the power supply (big self contained box where the power comes in) - this is to reduce or eliminate any static you may have stored in your body as this can destroy the memory. You can now remove the existing memory. Put the old ram in the bag just in case you need to put it back later.

There will be little clips at each end of the memory sticks, release / push these down and the memory stick will lift up so you can remove it.

When you've removed the old memory then you can insert the new stuff. It will only go in one way round and you'll need to push down harder than you think, when it's in correctly the little clips should have gone back into their original place.

Pop the lid back on and fire it up - see what happens, it should take you into an unusual screen to tell you that the ram has changed and that's ok, check the amount it says is the amount that you put in. If it doesn't then something hasn't gone right and you'll need to power down and you may need to try some of the ram in different slots. There's no exact standard way to do this, for example my system fills the slots in the order 1 - 3 - 2 -4, but some will also fill in the order 1 - 2 - 3 - 4. Usually #1 will be marked in some way on the board although you may not be able to see it. You can't kill your machine by putting ram in the wrong slot so long as it's the right kind.