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Community Newsletter: Q&A: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that?
- 10/28/04 3:35 PM
Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that?
by cardinal_33 - 10/29/04 7:59 AM In reply to: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
this is all well and great but HOW do I tell these programs NOT to run in the bachground ??? still learning thanks ...lynnwalters@charter.net
Go Away Program !!!
by ThomasL - 10/31/04 5:24 AM In reply to: Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that? by cardinal_33Hey Lynn,
Well... I wish there was an easy answer. Most of the Programs in the system tray that I referred to.. Rt-click and choose Options, Preferences, etc. Some of them you have to physically open and then go to the preferences or options.
Once there, almost all of them have a checkbox that says "Show Icon in system tray", "allow to program to run in the background", "Start when windows starts:, etc.Keep in mind, these programs don't want you to turn them off... so they make the opt out VERY difficult to find and usually throw out a "big Warning" box that words it almost backwards from what you want it to do (go away). I'm not one to mention names or anything, but RealPlayer is very tricky about how they do that.
Also, be sure you run a good Spyware tool, like "SpyBot Search & Destroy". That'll catch other stuff you may be unaware of. There's a guy out there called Steve Gibson at grc.com that can tell you a lot about SpyWare.
There are other ways to get stuff to stop loading when you start up Windows, but without good knowledge, you may inadvertently shut something down that you need, and cause a whole different problem. Most all the programs in the system tray have a way to make it go away, but its just very well hidden.
If you have one in particular, post here and someone, if not me, will be able to tell you how to get it done.
Good luck, Thomas
Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that?
by KatieLou - 10/29/04 8:16 AM In reply to: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Thank you Thomas L. this was something that I wondered about, I didn't think that my new work computer should be giving me warnings like that. Now, I not only understand the problem but can fix it.
Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that?
by jbelway - 10/29/04 9:13 AM In reply to: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi.. I have a similar problem but I don't get a message unless I try to run any of Windows 98, System tools. I'm running a GenuineIntel x86 Family 6 Model 8 Stepping 6 with 447.0MB RAM. System Resourses Are at 56% free and my hard drive is 180gig even though I'm only using 20gig it says that I have 108 gig of free space and capacity of 137 gig. I wish my system was faster and that I could run scan disk and defrag. Do you see a problem with these numbers?
Jim [Thanks]
Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that?
by davidpsr - 10/29/04 10:40 AM In reply to: Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that? by jbelwayIn order for your system to recognize more than 137 GB I recommend one of the following solutions:
If you have a motherboard that has an Intel chipset (810, 810E, 810E2, 815, 815, 815E, 815EP, 815P, 820, 820E, 830M, 830MP, 830MG, 840, 845, 850, or 860) visit Intel's web site and download the Intel Application Accelerator. Intel's Application Accelerator supports the full capacity of drives larger than 137 GB.
If you do not have a motherboard that has an Intel chipset then I would recommend that instead of using your motherboard's onboard IDE controller that you purchase a PCI/IDE card that supports 48 bit Logical Block Addressing (LBA). You can buy after-market cards from various online sources or local distributors. The market price for these cards is about $15-$20. All support drives that are larger than 137 GB. You didn't mention the brand of your HD, but these cards work with and maximize data transfer rates for drives manufactured by every hard drive manufacturer that I'm aware of. IDE is (at least in theory) a standard that crosses the lines of manufacturer's nuances.
A third 'fix' to the 137 Gb barrier is a software implementation of 48-bit Logical Block Addressing, loaded before the operating system. Most hard drives are shipped with software to overcome recent space 'barriers' but I abhor their use. With third-party IDE cards selling for so little, I see no reason to use software solutions, if for no other reason than, if your computer becomes corrupted and does not have access to the 48-bit LBA software, you have bigger problems than you would have had otherwise.
If you insist on trying the software solution, go to your drive manufacturer's site and download the latest 'installation software.' They will probably allow you to download it for free. Be sure it includes an implementation of 48-bit LBA.
If you do not follow any of the above steps, and you attempt to use a drive that exceeds 137 Gb and/or that relies on 48-bit Logical Block Addressing by attempting to "tweak" the operating system even though your ATA controller, chipset drivers, system BIOS, and or (ugh...) low-level software, do not properly support 48-bit Logical Block Addressing, you are inviting data loss.
Missing Hard Drive
by ThomasL - 10/31/04 5:30 AM In reply to: Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that? by jbelwayJim,
You will probably need to get a BIOS update to break the 137gig barrier. If your confident with your skills, you can get the BIOS update from your motherboard manufactuer via download. IF not, BE VERY AFFRAID... incorrectly flashing the BIOS will render that motherboard useless.
Most local computer shops will do it for you, it's a 2 minute fix.
Best of Luck,
Thomas
Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that?
by davidpsr - 10/29/04 9:47 AM In reply to: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Programs to 'enhance' RAM performance do themselves take up RAM to run. RAM is cheap and getting cheaper. When someone asks me how much is enough RAM, my answer is as much as your can afford and your computer will accept.
I had 512 Mb RAM and after running a RAM monitoring program (which admittedly took up a small portion of RAM itself), I found that my computer's needs repeatedly exceeded the 512 Mb of 'real' RAM that I had installed and so had to rely on Virtual RAM to continue operating.
I now have 1024 Mb of RAM and actually will probably need more if I install a couple more forever-on memory resident programs.
The observation that 'RAM Enhancers' do more harm than good is accurate. While they do, to some extent, 'optimize' the way that RAM is used in your computer, the time it takes to make the necessary 'adjustments' in RAM usage is often longer than if the O/S had simply resorted to using virtual RAM.
Here's a hint I learned the hard way: Regardless of how much RAM you have, DO NOT disable virtual RAM entirely. For reasons beyond my comprehension, Windows seems insistent on doing some things in virtual RAM. When it comes across one of these and there is no Virtual RAM available, the system becomes confused and usually shuts down or locks up. So while you may have a Gb of RAM, still don't completely eliminate or disable virtual RAM. I think it likely that newer versions of Windows will not allow you to do so, but versions earlier than XP did.
And finally (sorry to have gotten so wordy)... 1024 Mb of RAM is not unreasonable, even for the 'casual' computer user. While hard drives are getting faster and faster, the use of virtual RAM seems painfully slow when you are used to the speed of REAL RAM. If you notice your computer seems to be operating in slow motion, watch your hard drive access light. If it's flickering almost constantly, Windows is using your virtual RAM and the result is that your system's speed is diminished so dramatically you may think it's locked up altogether.
Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that?
by Curio - 11/5/04 3:01 PM In reply to: Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that? by davidpsrI have Windows 2000 and heard that the best way is to buy some extra hardware but I don't know what. I use my computer mainly to download music for my own pleasure. But somehow I always receive that message of "Low memory and Windows is enhancing it" or the like. I need instructions step by step as I am going to buy that hardware (chip or whatever) and install it in my computer.
Thank you to ALL. You are really great and very professional and helpful. I am a beginner on these things but am willing to learn by trial and error. For the time being, I am not planning on buying a new compy nor do I have the money and in the meantime I want to improve my system. Blessings to you all, Mr. Koo and each of you.
Curio (curious).
Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that?Thanks
by chanchan - 10/29/04 10:31 AM In reply to: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I want to thank you for the information and I tried to fix the problem and it works but now I want more RAM I only have 256 MB with windows xp and I want to make it faster, faster...;)would you please recommend a manufacturer and what do I need to know about the installation process...or leave it to a technician to do it for me?
Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that?Thanks
by Manwe-the-Great - 10/29/04 6:37 PM In reply to: Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that?Thanks by chanchanwww.crucial.com or www.kingston.com
those are two of the top memory manufacturers. Crucial is slightly less expensive (usually) and, they give free, second-day air shipping on most orders. If you don't need top-of-the-line, and want lower prices, then check out www.tigerdirect.com
With regard to your other question, you could have a tech do it for you for a, usually not to large fee. Or, you might see if a local computer shop could talk you through it over the phone (I think one of the earlier posters said they had done this)
Also, www.crucial.com offers step-by-step instructions for installing RAM in desktops & laptops. Installing RAM is pretty much the same no matter what brand your computer is (now GETTING to the RAM slots may be a challenge 
)
Hope that helps
Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that?Thanks
by chanchan - 10/30/04 5:08 AM In reply to: Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that?Thanks by Manwe-the-GreatThanks for the information...I'll give it a shot.
Memory
by ThomasL - 10/31/04 5:42 AM In reply to: Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that?Thanks by Manwe-the-GreatIt REALLY depends on your manufacturer of your PC.
The best thing to do, take the stick you have in it now out.... go down to your local computer shop (I avoid the "generic" stores), and have them match one up to yours. There are just too many possible combinations of machines and memory types out there now.
Especially if it's a newer generation machine that uses DDR RAM. I personally by "matched pairs" of Mushkin, but Corsair is also OK. Matched pairs are sticks that have been tested together and are know to work, so if you have an issue, they will replace it for you "no questions asked".
Best of LUck,
Thomas
Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that?
by sdsrfergirl - 10/29/04 10:42 AM In reply to: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
That was a good explanation of virtual memory. Thanks. How do you get some of those pesky programs like quick time and IM not to automatically run in the background. Do I have to exit out of them at the task bar every time I boot up, or is there another way to turn them off until I want to use them?
Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that?
by tcgator - 10/29/04 11:37 AM In reply to: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Thanks for the good information. I am already convinced I need to increase my RAM from 256MB to at least 512MB. Note also that my hard drive is only 50% full, 15GB left. However that may not be the whole problem. I have followed the advice in Article 315270 of the Microsoft knowledge base. I have tried both custom setting of the page file and letting the system manage the file. No matter what I do it is "stuck" on 255MB. It always shows 'Minimum 2MB, Recommended 382MB and Current Allocation 255MB'. On
startup it hangs on the Welcome screen. Sometimes the 'Limited virtual memory' box appears on its own and sometimes I have to press ALT + TAB to get the box. Then the message is "Your System has no paging file or the paging file is too small".
Any other ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks,
tcgator@ieee.org
Re: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that?
by stardate - 10/29/04 3:30 PM In reply to: 10/29/04 Huh?! Low on virtual memory, what's that? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
All I can say is, well stated Thomas
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