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lack of virtual memory


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#1
estoi

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Hi, my PC - Windows XP - keeps saying 'Virtual memory too low' and then does magical computer things until it closes everything down and i have to restart. I have Ewido, AVG anad Spybot installed, all of which I run on a full test on a weekly basis. In addition I defragment etc weekly too.

I have looked on the 'my computer' and it says that of 18.6 GB I have 9.12 GB of memory left, so I don't really understand what the problem is.

I work from home and need to run MSN/ Skype and have at least 10 web browsers open at any one time, in addition to Word and Real Player (if i'm feeling a bit slack!)

could anyone help me please as it's a real pain to have keep restarting the computer when I'm working.

Thanks a lot,

Teresa.
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#2
doire

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right click my computer....properties...advanced.....in the performace area click settings.. advanced..whats the virtual memory set at?

Edited by doire, 26 April 2006 - 08:15 AM.

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#3
estoi

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384 MB (wasn't sure if the other reply was posted - sorry!!)
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#4
dsenette

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Enable Virtual Memory
To enable Virtual Memory, please do the following:
  • Right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop, and then click Properties on the shortcut menu.
  • Click the Performance tab.
  • Click Virtual Memory.
  • Uncheck the checkbox next to Disable virtual memory. (Not recommended).
  • Click to select Let Windows manage my virtual memory settings (recommended).
  • Click OK, and then click Close.
  • When you are prompted to restart the computer, click Yes.
Increase Virtual Memory Page File Size
To increase the Virtual Memory Page File size, please do the following:
  • Right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop, and then click Properties on the shortcut menu.
  • Click the Performance tab.
  • Click Virtual Memory.
  • Increase the size using the spinner control for Maximum. Or you can click to select Let Windows manage my virtual memory settings (recommended).
  • Click OK, and then click Close.
  • When you are prompted to restart the computer, click Yes.
Change the Drive the Virtual Memory Page File Uses
To change the drive the Virtual Memory Page File uses, please do the following:
  • Right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop, and then click Properties on the shortcut menu.
  • Click the Performance tab.
  • Click Virtual Memory.
  • Click to select Let me specify my own virtual memory settings.
  • From the Hard disk drop-down list box, select another drive that has more available hard disk space.
    If another drive is not available on the machine, you will need to free up disk space on the default drive.
  • Click OK, and then click Close.
  • When you are prompted to restart the computer, click Yes.

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#5
estoi

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thank you for that. Do I need to do all three of those actions?
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#6
dsenette

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no just the middle one....increase the virtual memory to about a gig...maybe 1.5gig
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#7
estoi

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ok. thank you.
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#8
estoi

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Sorry to be a pain. When I right click on My Computer in order to find Virtual Memory I have to go to Advanced > performance > settings > advanced > virtual memory.

When I'm there it doesn't give me the options yopu detailed above. My options are:

Custom size - currently: initial 384MB / Max 768

or System Managed Size

or No paging file.

From your instructions above I guess I would click onto System Managed Size.

Please could you confirm that that's right? thanks
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#9
dsenette

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either system managed size or set it to the max
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#10
estoi

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thank you - I have tried all of this so hopefluly it will make a difference!

thanks for all your concise, prompt help.

Teresa.
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#11
dsenette

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you may also want to look into upgrading your ram or getting more...what kind of computer is this so i can point you in the right direction on how much ram you CAN have and what kind to get
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#12
estoi

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I think it's a Compaq.

A friend gave it to me so not entirely sure.
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#13
dsenette

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does it have any numbers or anything on it? like "compaq presario 700" or something like that? any stickers on the back or side or anything that would tell you what make and model it is?
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#14
estoi

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I look really thick don't I?! sorry.
it's got a sticker on saying 'Intel inside pentium 4'
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#15
estoi

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and a serial number but I guess that's more for security than design!
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