VirtuaL Memory Issue

I just received this message the first time a few minutes ago(I was on face-book playing a game~!)
Virtual memory minimum too low..windows will...................
Anyway after reading alot of threads, it seems a little complex to go in & change certain thing. I am not that PC savvy!
I have 200GB hardrive with 512 RAM, XP, I believe service pack 2 or 3.
What can I do to get more virtual memory? what will happen if I don't??
I am so.........confused.confusedconfused:confused

 

If you don't allow Windows more space for virtual memory, it will keep slowing right down whenever you reach the current limit, my advice is to buy more RAM (visit Crucial.com and allow them to scan your system so they can offer you the correct type) and increase your VM size - minimum of 1024Mb, maximum 4092.

Windows key+Pause/Break > Advanced > Performance settings > Advanced > Change > click Custom size and set Min to 1024 and Max to 4092, Click Set and then OK your way back out, you'll need to reboot before the change will take affect.

 

Your machine will thank you if you go to 1GB RAM or even more.

 

Agreed, 512MB is the bare minimum just to run windows XP these days. If you're not PC savy and not sure what kind of memory you need, you can run this scanner, and it will tell you how much you can add and give you suggestions. You can post back here with the results if you have questions about them.

 

If you don't have a Windows key:

Start > Control Panel > System > Advanced tab > under Performance, click on Settings > under the Advanced heading (again), at the bottom of the box under Virtual Memory, click on Change.

Check the circle for custom size, and set the minimum and maximum per satrow's post.

Click "Set", then "Apply", then OK out of all the little windows.

Restart your PC, and you'll be ready to rock 'n' roll!

 

what is strange, is that my PC is NOT slow..
Right after i posted here I did remove a ton of programs I NEVER use..to free up more space...I'd love to add more ram, but are there places that will do it for you...because cracking open my case is nothing I want to do!:-D

 

Excellent advice, all.

I only have a few suggestions to add - things that have worked well for me:

First clear the existing page file. To do this go to the VM settings and select and set 'No Paging File', and reboot. This will remove any corrupt files, and when you decide on a new size the file will start as a contiguous block on the drive for best performance.

Secondly, I've found that setting the initial and maximum sizes the same - such as 4092 / 4092 - works well for most machines. This keeps windows from having to dynamically change the size of the paging file, keeping it a single, fixed unfragmented file.

In my experience this works quite well with most configurations.

 

Yesterday was the FIRST time I have ever saw that message...and thats in 3 years of owning this PC...and I wasn't surfing, I was on Facebook playing a game. I did go to that Crucial link and saw how much memory I could add...so I probalby will just have one of those mobile places come to my house & add another 1G.:cool

 

Or even here. Ain't gonna happen.

 

well I was "surfing" all day and No popup as of yet..so I guess I can count myself lucky only having it happen once in 3 years considering the lack of ram I have. I am still going to upgrade the ram as advised.