vitual Memory

My computer is running slow. I have done everything I could. Once in a while a popup comes up saying that my vitual memory is low. I know my computer is not the latest. but I would like to know what to do to check the memory and why it is running so slow.
Is there a program out there that can check if there are duplicates on a computer?
thanks

 

Check Virtual Memory:
Start->Settings->Control Panel->System->Advanced Tab->Settings->Advanced
Look for the bottom section - "Virtual Memory" - If you want to make adjustments - click on "Change"

How much memory does your computer have in it? (physical memory... as in RAM)

I would guess though , that if you are getting these messages its because you are running low on hard disk space. Do you know how much hdd space you have left?

You can free up space with running a program like ccleaner - which is availalble for free.
Also, make sure you delete any unneccesarry windows user profiles that you no longer need.

 

Hi,

Virtual memory is Hard Disk space used to hold progs and data when you run out of real memory. The error indicates that your hard drive is probably too full. You should have about 20 to 25% of free space in order to have enough room for programs, virtual memory etc. Of course more real memory would reduce the amout of swapping to and from the Virtual Mem but would not cure the present problem satisfactorily.
Check it out and delete some of un-necessary data from the drive.

Good Luck, Jim

 

Well, this is a common misconception. VM is actually a component of the Operating System (not the hard drive) that combines and uses all memory - RAM plus the Page File - as one big addressable data storage space. It is not really for when you run out of memory because Windows will use the PF even with plenty of RAM. That said, having lots of RAM allows the OS to stash more data into the RAM side of VM, instead of the page file on the slow hard drive.

I agree with Jim and BigD about disk space - you might also go through Control Panel > Add and Remove Software and remove programs you have installed, but don't use.

I am not one to recommend defragging often, but when disk space is low and Windows is managing the PF, defragging often helps. However, make sure you clean your system of clutter first - it is counter-productive to defrag with 1000s of temporary files on the disk. Use Windows (XP or Vista) Disk Cleanup, ATF Cleaner or CCleaner. If using CCleaner, uncheck option to install Yahoo toolbar during installation. Before first use, go to Options > Settings > Advanced and ensure Only delete files in Windows Temp folders older than 48 hours is unchecked.

Note: Know your site credentials (user name and password) for sites you frequent before cleaning; you may have to login again at next visit.

 

For a novice like me; does the amount of desktop shortcuts or programs listed as favorites affect the vm?

 

Not as favorites, but each desktop shortcut is a file loaded during boot - so it is generally a good idea to keep desktop icons down to a manageable amount. If you have dozens, you should consider consolidating them into folders, or onto taskbars.