Windows Virtual Memory Too Low issue

flutterbyuk25

Hey all

I keep getting the message that my Windows virtual memeory is too low. I have recently switched form IE to Firefox and when it happend (rarely) on IE I could still use it no problems. But on Firefox it stops all script on the webpage and I can't look at anything :mad:

I've tried looking at the Help section but it doesn't explain what I need to do to prevent this.

I don't have much stuff on my computer. Around 1000 songs and photos, I have MS Office package, use MSN Messenger and have software loaded for my camera and phone. That's about it.

Can anyone tell me in easy terms what I can do to prevent this from happening?

TIA

x

JasX

Things to try in order

1. Check your main hard disk is not full or nearly full

2. Work out how much RAM you have installed in the PC (Control panel > system is a good place to look)

Check how big your 'page file' is ('control panel > system > Advanced > perfrmance settings > advanced > change' in vista, similar location in XP. Much debate here but setting it to a custom size identical to the amount of RAM you have instaled won't be too far off (set max and min size to be the same)

3. Consider buying a little more RAM

carla40

thanks jasX this is happening to me as well

GunJack

You're better off setting the Page File to System Managed size, Windows will then allocate however much it needs when it needs it, rather than use custom sizes which may or may not be enough

JasX

GunJack wrote: »

You're better off setting the Page File to System Managed size, Windows will then allocate however much it needs when it needs it, rather than use custom sizes which may or may not be enough

Like I said there can be much debate here, common arguments include:

If you have lots of good RAM you should set the page file to a small size (50% the size of installed RAM) to force windows to use the faster RAM memory rather than slower 'normal' hard disk space pretending to be extra RAM (thats what your page file is).

If you don't have much RAM set a larger page file so your programs won;t run out of 'pretend' RAM (perhaps 2x or 3x size of installed RAM) contravienes point 1 about making your computer run faster, makes more use of your Hard disk slowing access to other programs/data. Less isssues around programs 'running out' of virtual memory.

Set to windows auto managed as thats the default and works well for me

Don't set it to auto windows managed as it's not actually that good at managing it and you never really know whats going on if ever you have a problem....

Best advice is just pick one option.... if you find it's not working for you pick another one and give it a another try

GunJack

lol......JasX, that's one way of looking at it....I find that, especially for most non-techie people, using the auto-manage option usually works best...then they can "just get on with it" their words, not mine, and not worry about further error messages

[Deleted User]

JasX wrote: »

If you have lots of good RAM you should set the page file to a small size (50% the size of installed RAM) to force windows to use the faster RAM memory rather than slower 'normal' hard disk space pretending to be extra RAM (thats what your page file is).

I disagree, Windows will only use the pagefile when it's required and there are benefits of the pagefile being used in preference over the physical RAM anyway.

Don't set it to auto windows managed as it's not actually that good at managing it and you never really know whats going on if ever you have a problem....

Windows VMM management is better than yours. Without a sufficiently large pagefile you won't be able to analyse dump files created when there is a critical error.

Having a smaller, or worse still no pagefile introduces more risks than benefits. Easiest advice is to just let Windows manage it and make sure you aren't running to capacity on your drive to allow it to expand as and when required.

bimba

I too am getting the low on virtual memory notice.

I am not technical at all and was wondering if someone could advice me if my ram space is good or bad. I have 523,760kb ram - Page file 384mb
C: paging 384-766 - Drive C - space available 31,451mb
Min allowed 2mb - Recommended 766mb - currently allocated 384mb.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

John_Gray

Follow Anewhope's advice and set the Page File size as "system managed". It will probably choose 1½ times your real RAM size - hence the 766 MB 'recommended'.

After that, you can cease worrying about page file size...! :j

Oblivion

carla40 wrote: »

wins so far:- absolutely nothing, not even an arguement:mad:

Not even the correct spelling of "argument". :rotfl:

Sorry, it's just the devil in me

Dave.

bimba

Thank you for advice. I am sorry for being so thick but when I go to system properties - advanced - performance options then click on virtual memory -I do not get option to system manage page size. It only allows me to manually change it. Help!