Memory problems

I am running XP SP2 on with 2GB of RAM. I used to be able to run Photoshop CS3, Bridge, Dreamweaver CS3, Word, Firefox and maybe another here or there with no problems. Now, for some reason I am having issues just keeping the big three all running at the same time. I tried to open WS_FTP and it would not load completely. I had to shut down something to get it to load. If I do a ctrl-alt-del and look at PERFORMANCE I have 2,095,792 Total, and when I am running Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Outllok, Firefox and Word, I have 862,164 available and system cache of 986,024. It seems there is plenty of RAM available. So what is going on here?

Thanks,
Houston

 

Well you can run Memtest to check your memory(suggest running Overnight), you could also take a look at Task Manager and see what is hogging resources, plus a good scan of your unit for any Malware, should eliminate at least the obvious culprits. Hope that Helps, and post back and let us know how it goes

 

What is "memtest" and how do I run it or where do i get it?

I have 51 Process running and as far as hogs, the usual suspects. In this case Photoshop, Outlook. Running in the high 5 digit area is SVG (firewall and Virus protection V7.5), SQL Server (Microsoft) and Yahoo Messenger.

I will run this scan tonight and let you know how it goes.

Thanks,
Houston

 

Sorry about that here is the link http://www.majorgeeks.com/MemTest_d350.html there are also other available on the Major Geeks download page in the Memory tab.........51 running is pretty high, are there any that you think you do not want running, for example for about a year I had the Lexmark printer utility running; no need for it to, it just installed itself along with the drivers. I now have 44 running and there are about ten of those I should stop, just haven't gotten around to it. Remember a process just on idle is constantly checking the system, with enough of them, the whole process slows down. Everyone should at least once a year do some housecleaning of both old files and process's, keeps the Old Computer lean and mean. Are you running CCleaner, that will help to keep those pesky "Temp Files" in line as well as cleaning out old registry enteries that aren't need link http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=5125 uncheck everything except "Desktop Icon" on installation....Hope that helps