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Community Newsletter: Q&A: What do you mean, Windows Virtual Memory is too low?!
- 6/28/07 3:54 PM
Ive had this happon to me a few times
by realdealsaville - 6/18/07 10:47 AM In reply to: What do you mean, Windows Virtual Memory is too low?! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I remember I used to get this message a lot. I believe that the best answer to your question that I can give is that basically you have too much stuff running in the background. My computer was trying to keep up programs running on a different user, trying to keep a bunch of media websites up, and was processing streaming at the same time. I found that when I was maxing out my bandwidth or running a lot of apps I would get that message. Then after a while I was getting the same message right after startup. I think that it might be time to check out all the things you have running in your startup folder or saved in your temp files. I cleared all of my junk from the internet history, ran some cleaning sweeps of my computer and then ended up buying more memory to make sure I wouldnt have anykind of backup again. This might not be the way to go for you, but I suggest starting by cleaning your registry and emptying the cach, and temp files. If you have Norton or something I would run that as well. Hope this helps.
What is a Windows virtual memory
by namasiku - 6/18/07 11:47 AM In reply to: What do you mean, Windows Virtual Memory is too low?! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
A Windows virtual memory is temporary disk space on the local hard drive that emulates RAM to provide a greater memory address space in which to run applications. Parts of the programs and data are kept on this disk space and constantly swapped back and forth into system memory. With the aid of this virtual memory, a Windows system can load more programs and data into memory than it can hold, with each program receiving regular access to the processor.
If you routinely use programs that require a lot of memory you may get the warnings, 'Windows Virtual Memory is too low.' So what you can do is increase the size of the virtual memory. However to change size you must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete the procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may also prevent you from completing this procedure.
To change the size of the virtual memory:
1. Click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
2. On the Advanced tab, under Performance, click Settings.
3. On the Advanced tab, under Virtual Memory, click Change.
4. Under Drive [Volume Label], click the drive that contains the paging file you want to change.
5. Under Paging file size for selected drive, click Custom size, and type a new paging file size in megabytes in the Initial size (MB) or Maximum size (MB) box, and then click Set.
Notes:
• If you decrease the size of either the initial or maximum page file settings, you must restart your computer to see the effects of those changes. Increases typically do not require a restart.
• To have Windows choose the best paging file size, click System managed size.
• For best performance, do not set the initial size to less than the minimum recommended size under Total paging file size for all drives. The recommended size is equivalent to 1.5 times the amount of RAM on your system, although you might increase its size if you regularly use programs that require a lot of memory.
Virtual Memory
by Scharaswak - 6/18/07 12:56 PM In reply to: What do you mean, Windows Virtual Memory is too low?! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Denise,
Virtual memory is an area on your hard drive reserved by your operating system. I believe VM started with Windows 95.
A computer has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU does all the thinking and the RAM is what it is thinking about.
When you run an executable program the computer tries to put as much of the program into RAM as possible but some programs or support files for programs are too large to fit into the amount of RAM your computer system has installed.
How the computer works around this is to use a portion of your hard drive as extra RAM known as Virtual Memory.
There are some things you can do to get rid of this pesky warning.
Your best solution would be to get more RAM installed in your computer (you should have a minimum of 512 Meg but the more the better); I strongly suggest that if you don’t know much about computer hardware then take it to a qualified service technician.
If adding RAM is not an option do the following:
1. If this is an XP, 2000, NT, Millennium or such computer, Make sure you are signed in as an Administrator.
2. Right click on My Computer and select Properties or open Control Panel and double click System, both methods do the same thing.
3. Select the Advanced tab.
4. Select Settings button.
5. Select the Advanced tab again (different tab though).
6. Toward the bottom you will see how much memory is set aside for your Virtual Memory.
7. Click the Change button in the Virtual Memory area.
8. Here you have 3 options
a. Custom Size (If this is selected I suggest selecting System Managed Size).
b. System Managed Size (If this is selected then you may be running out of hard drive space and I would recommend you to increase your hard drive size or add another hard drive to your system.
c. No Paging File (if this is selected I suggest selecting System Managed Size).
If you have other questions relating to this or anything else email me bobskaz@msn.com
Virtual Memory
by the_one60 - 6/18/07 1:04 PM In reply to: What do you mean, Windows Virtual Memory is too low?! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The simple answer is that when your system runs out of space in system RAM to run applications, it uses the hard drive for overflow (Virtual Memory). Windows pre-allocates a certain amount of space on your hard drive for this purpose. This is commonly called the "swap file" (pagefile.sys). When that pre-allocated space is not large enough, Windows notifies you with the message you saw. The end of the message usually says that Windows will automatically increase the size of the swap file. If there is not enough space on your hard drive to do this, you will also get a "low disk space" warning. The page file returns to the default size after a restart. The result is lots of hard drive activity (the hard drive light stays on) and a noticeable slowdown in system response.
This can be caused by anything from running too many programs at one time, or too many programs running in the background (check your system tray), or a RAM hungry program (like Photoshop) running on a system that doesn't have enough RAM to initially start, or a program that causes a memory leak.
The simplest solution is to install more system RAM. Doubling the amount of RAM will have the added benefit of better system response. The more immediate solution is find the program that causes the message to appear and either run it alone, see if an update will help(sometimes going back to an older version works), or uninstall it. Also, reduce the number of running programs. Look in your start menu startup entries and delete any non-essential programs. Also, go to the preferences/options/setting/configuration of any non-essential programs in your system tray (next to the clock) and uncheck the box that starts the program when Windows starts.
answre
by nahsyk2 - 6/18/07 1:42 PM In reply to: What do you mean, Windows Virtual Memory is too low?! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
please what king laptop do you used
i mean model and brand of your laptop, RAM speed. please email the imformation so that it will help me to profer solution of your problem.
nahsabk@gmail.com
virtual memory
by agenor12001 - 6/18/07 2:56 PM In reply to: What do you mean, Windows Virtual Memory is too low?! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Denise, virtual memory is part of your hard drive that your computer uses as a type of fake ram memory, its like a floating memory that the computer uses as needed it is normally set by the os although you can change the ammount of memory dedicated to its use.
Virtual Memory
by mech45 - 6/18/07 3:56 PM In reply to: What do you mean, Windows Virtual Memory is too low?! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Virtual Memory Size
In Task Manager, the amount of virtual memory, or address space, committed to a process.
See also: Task Manager; virtual memory
virtual memory
Temporary storage used by a computer to run programs that need more memory than it has. For example, programs could have access to 4 gigabytes of virtual memory on a computer's hard drive, even if the computer has only 32 megabytes of RAM. The program data that does not currently fit in the computer's memory is saved into paging files.
See also: virtual printer memory; paging file; Virtual Memory Size
I found this in the help catergory, to my understanding you either have to many programs running in the background or you have not yet perform a disk cleaning of temporary files that may be clogging up your hard drive memory space, Try system maintance and disk clean-up...also you might have some programs that you do not use or very little of, If that the case you might want to consider a back- up of those programs not in use, there is a wizard that will scan your progams and clean or remove the programs that you no longer use. Hope this help solves your problem, I have run into a couple of time, but basically it was from programs downloaded and stored in temp files until they were removed or stored somewhere else, after that I haven't seen it for a good while now..good luck and happy cleaning
Virtual Memory Question
by wcrea6758 - 6/18/07 5:14 PM In reply to: What do you mean, Windows Virtual Memory is too low?! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Windows sets aside a portion of your hard drive called its "swap file" that it uses as memory for running tasks in addition to RAM. I have received this message before as well and it simply means that you need to make more free space on your hard that can be then utilized by windows for its "swap file" or "virtual memory" if you will. In Windows Xp, free space can be gained by going into "My Computer", right-click your C: drive, left click "Properties" and then click "Disk Cleanup". You can also free up lots of space by removing unneeded or unused programs in "Add or Remove Programs" in Control Panel. To manage virtual memory right-click on "My Computer", left-click "Properties", and click the "Advanced Tab". It's recommended that you allow windows to automatically manage your virtual memory and the hard drive space it allots for it depends on the total size of your drive. I hope this has been helpful information to you.
Virtual Memory Low
by geofbrewer - 6/18/07 7:22 PM In reply to: What do you mean, Windows Virtual Memory is too low?! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
It basically means the memory allocated for virtual memory(VM)is low. Now that is redundant and seemingly absurd, but it's not. Virtual memory occupies two different locations based on the operating system. In the old days virtual memory resided on the hard drive. You had to allocate unused disk space for the VM. You didn't get a message back then, well, a text message. Your app would lock-up or the system might crash. These days, ever since Win95 that is, Microsoft has recommended you let the OS manage your systems virtual memory. Now that means both RAM and the hard drive. RAM is allocated based on the apps running and the available RAM. It takes more time to explain Virtual Memory in RAM because of Virtual Machines and the like. When space runs out in RAM, the rest is sent to the hard drive.
Bottom line. You have too little space left on your hard drive. Clean it up or get a bigger hard drive. AND/OR have more RAM installed. Either way your OS will stop sending the message.
Virtual Memory Low
by pjs3805 - 6/23/07 11:17 AM In reply to: Virtual Memory Low by geofbrewerNo long explanations here. You first need to run some spyware removal tools. Over 80% of the computers out there that have spyware issues get this message. The spyware removal tools may stop it or it may be worst than thought. If it can't be removed you may have to restore your computer back to factory specs, etc.
Visit www.downloads.com and download the following software(s). Do not run them at the same time. They will exist independently but will not run at the same time without problems. By the way If you see more than 2 you may want to try them if the problem persists. These programs remove various but specific mal ware or spyware. Each program removes different malware.
1. Ad Aware personal edition
1. SpyBot
Search for "hijack this" and run it
and then download and run "cwshredder"
This may be more helpful than knowing what causes VML.
You do have a choice to manage your VM or have Windows manage it for you. I always choose for windows to Manage it for me. Never had that problem. I have noticed that people that visit risky sites get this error allot. Good Luck!!!
RE: "Windows Virtual Memory too low"
by edgar_0587 - 6/18/07 7:39 PM In reply to: What do you mean, Windows Virtual Memory is too low?! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hello Denise,
This is a common issue. Let me emplain what is happening exactly:
Your computer loads your programs into something called memory (or RAM) when you use them. Sometimes however, there isn't enough memory to run those programs, so windows tries to compensate for this by using something called "virtual memory," which is hard drive space made to act like memory. This allows you to run all those programs, though at a speed cost (which makes me think your computer must be running rather slow when this happens).
This problem can be fixed easily. First, right click the "My computer" Icon and click on properties. It should bring up a box with information about your computer. Click on the "Advanced" Tab and then click on the "settings" button under "Performance" which will bring up another box called "performance options." Next, click on the "Advanced" tab of this, and you should see at the bottom a button that reads "Change." That should bring up one last box with the title "virtual memory." Now, click on the circle next to "Custom size" and on where it says "initial size" type 1024 and on the maximum size type 1536. Then click on the button "set" (don't forget to do this, otherwise no changes will be made). Click OK and restart the computer.
This might seem like a complex procedure, but it's quite easy. Something I'd actually recommend even more is to buy more memory for your computer as virtual memory degrades slightly the computer performance, and for sure you will not get that same error message. i hope this helps.
-Edgar
RE: Virtual Memory
by bbrad - 6/22/07 8:45 PM In reply to: RE: "Windows Virtual Memory too low" by edgar_0587Sorry My Friend you do not understand the way windows uses memory. You can run 4 GB of memory and windows will still use virtual memory (hard drive space) no matter what.
Virtual Memory??
by randysvh - 6/18/07 11:20 PM In reply to: What do you mean, Windows Virtual Memory is too low?! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Virtual Memory is that memory that the computer uses on the hard drive as additional memory to swap out different parts of the Operating System and applications that are currently open or running. So there are really two parts to the RAM that is used for your overhead memory. This is the memory that is used for your WinXP and applications when they run. The hard drive is the overflow and a swap out area for those parts that might be in suspense mode or not being used at the moment in time.
Now the problem is how to fix this? First i think there is a lack of space on the hard drive which is quite likely. If the hard drive has plenty of space the next thing is to adjust the startup programs that run when your computer starts. Another option is the actual virtual memory settings on the control panel and system icon.
Check the amount of space on the HD which can be done several ways. One of which can be done by left click on "My Computer", right click on Drive C and select properties. It will show you how much space you have left on the HD. if there is less than 5GB left, you are going to need to clean up the HD and remove unneeded files.
If you need to check the startup programs, click on the start button, select run, type msconfig, press enter. Select the start up tab, and un-select any programs that do not need to start, save/OK, then do a reboot.
Giving the virtual memory more space can be done by right clicking on the MY COMPUTER icon, select system properties, select advanced tab, select settings for Performance, select advanced tab, select virtual memory, then change. The maximum setting should be about 4000, which should be sufficient.
If the error still continues, it is likely you have a trojan program running that needs to be stopped and cleared from memory. That is another whole writeup in itself.
randy
Virtual Memory too small because...
by floorshineboy - 6/19/07 12:10 AM In reply to: What do you mean, Windows Virtual Memory is too low?! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Denise,
The answer is really quite simple: virtual memory is actually a file on the hard drive, also called a “page file”, where Windows temporarily stores “memory” that it is not currently using. You see, Windows’ ability to run multiple programs at once has become its own monster. Your system’s memory is likely to be about 256-512 Mb, given the age of your system and the problem you are having. Each running program uses up some of this memory. Most of them are probably running in the background (see last week’s question and answers). But Windows doesn’t actually run all of these things at once—it just does one thing at once (or two, if you have a new dual-core computer), and everything is prioritized. So things with a low priority get saved from RAM to a file on the hard drive that Windows calls Virtual Memory, to be recalled later (while something else is switched into its place in the page file) when it is actually needed. And the system works great and almost seamless, until your processes begin to clog up the works. There are three different things that can solve this problem for you.
The simple fix is to change the size of your Virtual Memory page file. The next time the bubble pops up, simply click on it and allow Windows to automatically change it for you.
I highly recommend that you also look into adding more RAM to your laptop, which will make everything run faster because Windows won’t need to “page” as much to keep everything running. Most knowledgeable technicians will tell you that more RAM will make your system run much faster because the Virtual Memory system is slowed down by your hard drive.
However, the reason your Virtual Memory file is too small is because you have a lot of programs running at once using a lot of memory. I’ll bet you are beginning to notice a slow-down of some of your favorite software as well. Have you tried running Anti-spyware/Anti-adware software lately? Do you have some old junk just hanging out in your system that you should just un-install (like old phone connection software, all-in-one printer connection software and the like)? These programs are likely sapping your system of all of its resources, not just memory. Clean it up a bit, and I am sure this will help as well.
Best of Luck,
floorshineboy
I had the same problem
by steve_gts - 6/19/07 5:58 AM In reply to: What do you mean, Windows Virtual Memory is too low?! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
To fix it we did the following:
go to my computer and right click for the properties, click advanced tab, then in performance click advanced and you should see the virtual memory settings, set it to system manages size. this worked for me, If however this is already set, you best wait for more answers 
steve
http://www.ledgerservices.co.uk
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