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Windows XP: Windows Virtual Memory is too low--what's that all about?

by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator - 8/7/09 1:17 PM
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Post 61 of 154

what system, Mobo and Video card?

by lemica - 7/25/09 7:03 AM In reply to: Windows Virtual Memory is too low--what's that all about? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

On my own experience, virtual memory is too low when you run a program with a high system requirement of a program...low memory onboard, low video card memory and the capacity of motherboard...

Post 62 of 154

Windows Virtual Memory is too low--what's that all about?

by puttergeist - 7/25/09 8:08 AM In reply to: Windows Virtual Memory is too low--what's that all about? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

Either you increase your windows cache size or upgrade your RAM

Post 63 of 154

Page file

by guywayne - 7/25/09 8:29 AM In reply to: Windows Virtual Memory is too low--what's that all about? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

As you use your computer, the RAM that you have fills up. When It gets too full, Windows swaps some of the less used data to the page file on your harddrive, the data is still there to use, just not as fast as if it were in memory (RAM). If you were to add some RAM- up to 2 gigabytes or more you would use less paging. The reason that your virtual memory (page file) runs low is that Windows sets it to be a certain size relative to the amount of RAM that you have. So adding more RAM also increases the size of your page file, and will reduce the low virtual memory issue.

Post 64 of 154

Windows Virtual Memory is too low--what's that all about

by virender123 - 7/25/09 10:22 AM In reply to: Windows Virtual Memory is too low--what's that all about? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

This is just a fixed memory in your hard disk. This is used by your ram if your ram size is small. This increases your computer speed. Virtual memory carries your recent data and hence increases your computer speed. To know how to increase your virtual memory you can email me on viru_rok@yahoo.com

Post 65 of 154

Not recent data

by Olifrench - 8/9/09 2:02 AM In reply to: Windows Virtual Memory is too low--what's that all about by virender123

Wrong, virtual memory holds the less recent data from real memory, not the most recent.

Wrong, virtual memory doesn't increase the speed of your computer, it decreases it but allows it to run more at one time.

Post 66 of 154

Page file (Viryual Memory)

by TheWolf67 - 8/16/09 1:23 PM In reply to: Not recent data by Olifrench

Sorry to say, but I totally with others. Not recent data. Decreases the speed & NOT increase.

Post 67 of 154

Possible solution to "Windows virtual memory too low"

by James P Robbins - 7/25/09 11:29 AM In reply to: Windows Virtual Memory is too low--what's that all about? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

This message can occur for several reasons, depending on which version of Windows you are running. On the basis that you are running Windows Vista or XP, here are the probable causes:

1. You may be running too many programs at once ( you have too many tasks running on the taskbar ). A low memory condition will cause a task to be orange or flashing orange if there is not enough memory to run it. Close some tasks and see if the error message persists.

2. On older computers, this can be caused by not having enough RAM.
The quick fix ( if your computer is out of warranty, over 1 year old ) is to buy additional memory ( I recommend Kingston memory ) at a local business supply store. Most computers have expansion slots on the motherboard in which you can insert an additional emmory card to two, the cards typically retail for $30 to $40 dollars. Installing the additional memory card(s) is not rocket science but if you are not sure how to do it, take it to a reputable service shop. They will usually charge about $40 to $79 for installation.

3. if you are running Windows '95, '98, or ME you need to upgrade your machine's RAM if possible with additional memory. Also you need to get Windows XP or Vista if your machine will support it. Minimum memory requirements are on the box for Windows XP or Vista.

Post 68 of 154

Let's start with the basics

by Forked_Tongue - 7/25/09 1:23 PM In reply to: Windows Virtual Memory is too low--what's that all about? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

First empty your recycle bin, second open Internet Explorer, go to "tools", "internet options", "advanced tab", and check mark "Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed", and third download these to help fix your computer problems from cnet for free, sounds like you need to uninstall programsand cleanup your computer:

Revo Uninstaller 1.83 http://download.cnet.com/Revo-Uninstaller/3000-2096_4-10687648.html?tag=mncol

Advanced SystemCare Free 3.3.4 http://download.cnet.com/Advanced-SystemCare-Free/3000-2086_4-10407614.html

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.39 http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html

Avast Home Edition 4.8.1335.90416 http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Home-Edition/3000-2239_4-10019223.html

All this might need to be done on top of buying an external hard drive (to stuff off of your hard drive), adding more memory (like having more hands to do chores), or adding a graphics card (extreme to free up your cpu and base memory for graphics processing, odds are very much against this one) to your setup. Try the free stuff first above to see if it helps.

Post 69 of 154

I see a lot of people explaining memory vs virtual memory

by Forked_Tongue - 8/7/09 10:48 PM In reply to: Let's start with the basics by Forked_Tongue

Think of memory and virtual memory in this fashion:

You're going grocery shopping, most people can remember 6-10 items without a problem (memory) and to ensure they remember the rest they make a list (virtual memory).

As you go thru out the store inputting all the information, sorting thru distractions, and selecting from different items you're literally multi-tasking and in some cases you may need to refer to your list to maintain the proper perspective and to manage your memory as you cross off items on the list. Your computer does similar things with programs and in cases where the computer is low on memory it wastes a lot of the processing just to manage the virtual memory (ie if you can only remember 6 items then you're most likely going to refer to the list more than the person who can remember 10). One thing many people are mentioning here but not putting it in a way a lay person can understand it, there are limitations between memory, virtual memory, and how it's maintained.

While many of us in real life can't improve our actual memory on a computer we can, think of it more along the line of bringing someone else with you who can memorize an additional 6-10 different items than you can. Consider the virtual memory list now has 6-10 less spaces on each of your lists due to both of you being able to remember what items that are in your current memory. The virtual memory still has the limit of size of paper, how big the print is used, and if other things are on the paper that keeps you from putting grocery items on it (think of this as your computer hard drive having other programs and junk on it) so one of the things to increase this virtual memory is to "erase" (delete) the junk programs and files so rarely or never used.

I would recommend get rid of temporary files first as I mentioned on a previous post, uninstall programs you don't use (Revo Uninstaller), use a sweeping program to clear other clutter you many not be aware of (Advanced SystemCare Free), and then finally check to see if harmful programs are using up any of your memory (both Malware Anti-Malware and Avast Home Edition register the free version here http://www.avast.com/eng/home-registration.php). Spend money only if you have too and if you do most likely adding more memory will be the solution.

Post 70 of 154

Reply to virtual memory

by Rita92020 - 10/3/09 7:02 PM In reply to: I see a lot of people explaining memory vs virtual memory by Forked_Tongue

THE WEB SIGHT YOU GAVE IS NOT IN USE [ http://www.avast.com/eng/home-

registration.php) ,AT LAST TODAY. I JUST INCREAST MY MEMORY AND

ALWATS CLEAR TEMP FILES BEFOR I SHOUT DOWN BUT I STILL CAN ONLT VIEW

2 TO 3 SECONDS ON ANY VIDO, NEWS,FACE BOOK AND CANT HERE MUSIC, I DO

NOT DOWN LOAD .DO YOU HAVE ANY NEWS FOR ME? I USE WIN XP--I HAVE DILE

UP,AND I THINK THAT IS MY MAIN PROBLEM, THANK YOU FOR YOUR

INPUT...RITA

Post 71 of 154

reg lmgrd

by santhosh5242 - 7/25/09 2:56 PM In reply to: Windows Virtual Memory is too low--what's that all about? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

can u tell me how to uninstall the both

Post 72 of 154

solution

by raphaeladewale - 7/25/09 4:31 PM In reply to: Windows Virtual Memory is too low--what's that all about? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

it means you cannot store much diagram on your system

Post 73 of 154

re VM

by wasptroot - 7/25/09 5:41 PM In reply to: Windows Virtual Memory is too low--what's that all about? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

There are two great mags I subscribe to here in the Uk. Web User and Computer Active.
Computer Active supplied the answer to your Q a while ago, they're both online and helpful, check em out.
bellwater

Post 74 of 154

Simple Steps Go a Long Way

by High Desert Charlie - 7/25/09 7:23 PM In reply to: Windows Virtual Memory is too low--what's that all about? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

Hi Marilyn,

As has been stated here many times, virtual memory is an area of your hard disk drive that Windows uses when you run out of available RAM (on your memory sticks). The primary question is this; "What is using all of that Memory?"

Doing a disk cleanup will help, but it doesn't address the original problem. You can clean your Registry, and it still isn't addressing the original problem. Something your computer is doing is using up all of that memory!!! If your virtual memory is too low, your computer's performance is probably also suffering, and for the same reasons. Something is using up all of that memory.

Solution Part I - Clean up your startup programs

When your computer starts up, Windows tells the operating system to fire up several operations that have been configured to run at startup. The only programs you need to run at startup are your anti-virus/anti-spyware programs. In rare instances you need some network related programs running but not usually. Also, in Vista, you should run the Microsoft Operating System labeled programs as well. So here's how you clean up what's running at startup:

Start-->Run-->Type "msconfig"-->Startup Tab-->Deselect All

Next - Find your anti-virus/anti-spyware programs and check the boxes next to them...next (Vista Only) find any Microsoft Windows Operating System programs and check the boxes next to them.

Click OKAY and when prompted to do so - Click restart.

When your computer restarts, only the necessary programs will be loaded into memory which will save you lot of space.

Solution Part II - Maximize the memory installed in your computer

Today, memory is really inexpensive compared to 2-3 years ago. If your computer is using Windows XP or Vista's 32bit operating system it can recognize up to about 3.5GB of RAM (Memory on sticks). For my customers I generally recommend that they use as much memory as their motherboard can support up to the limits of the Operating System. RAM is BY FAR THE MOST INEXPENSIVE UPGRADE for your computer.

Running the maximum RAM also has an added benefit. If your hard disk drive is constantly reading and writing to "Paged Memory" it's putting a lot more wear and tear on those moving parts, and may cause premature hard drive failure. When RAM is taking care of all of that reading and writing there is no wear and tear on moving parts (it's all on memory chips). That's just one of the reasons that Solid State Drives (SSDs)are becoming so popular now.

Tuning up your computer will, of course, speed up your system and reduce the number of system freeze-ups and slow-downs. Some folks simply backup their data and reload their operating systems once a year. This is kind of a hassle but if you've done a good job backing up, it's not so intimidating.

One final thing you could explore, considering the rapidly decreasing prices on hard disk drives, is to reload your system on a new, bigger hard drive. Make sure you backup all of your drivers before doing this and backup your data as well. You will need to reload your programs (you won't lose your data if you backed it up), but it's a good opportunity to dump a lot of that useless nonsense that builds up on our systems over time. And don't forget to go back to Solution I when you're finished to kill any unnecessary startup programs.

Hope this is useful, and Good Luck.

Post 75 of 154

Thank you for reinforcing what I have always believed!

by erniemink - 8/7/09 6:41 PM In reply to: Simple Steps Go a Long Way by High Desert Charlie

I will add to the fact that you should ALWAYS update to the newest versio of Windows when it is released. It is not only for security and program updates, but it allows you to support the newest trends with gaming and the internet. So when version 7 of Windows comes out, gof or that. I have always used 2 computers, one with 32-bit and the other with 64-bit (preferred for obvious reasons). Even though 64 but is not mainstream with all software, it will be eventually. A bigger hard drive is good for defragmenting as you should always try to keep about 50 percent of your hard drive empty for the defrag process. If there is no available space to move the files, it won't defragment those files and it slows your computer down over time to, being fragmented. Hard drives are really cheap now to so there is no excuse not to buy one and load up on the memory to!

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