Paging file/virtual memory

[Ann]

I have been working with Dell for a couple of weeks now
on this problem and their solutions are not working so
I'm trying here. Every time we turn on the system we get
an error saying there is no paging file or the paging
file is too small and then we need to use ctl/alt/del to
open one of the user profiles. I have tried to change
the virtual memory as instructed on the first screen but
it never changes. I have run disk clean up and tried
again, still nothing. Today they suggested I restore the
system to an earlier date, it would not let me. I
believe the problems began when my son installed a game
called Mirrowind on Christmas. The problems have just
been getting worse since then, although we have
uninstalled the game. Can anyone help me?

 

[Guest]

Hello Ann
I don't know if this is the same problem that you are dealing with, but a few days ago, I had an error saying something along the lines of: Virtual memory too low, windows is increasing page file size. If this sounds like your problem, then this advice may help.

My understanding of the problem
On your computer, programs are loaded from the hard disk onto your RAM. Each program that you have running on your computer is using RAM that cannot be accessed by any other program. When the program closes, it is supposed to return the RAM for other programs to use. From the RAM, the computer can quickly access the components of the program (much quicker than if it had to retrieve it from your Hard Disk) Sometimes, there are so many programs (or background processes) running that your system runs out of RAM. What your computer does at this point is creates something called virtual memory (or a paging file). Virtual memory is space set aside by windows on your Hard Disk that acts as RAM (though obviously much slower) The error that i believe we both have experienced occurs when this virtual memory also fills up

Potential Causes
Recently, a problem has plagued many computer systems: adware. Adware is advertising software that makes it's way into your system and reports back to whichever company sent it out. From what I have read, the information these programs retrieve are your location, computer information, other sites you visit, etc etc. These adware programs are running on your computer almost all the time, and naturally, using up your RAM. Occasionally, one of these "background" programs starts taking up more and more RAM, and not putting it back. Each time the program or process runs, it uses a little more RAM while never returning it. This is called a RAM leak. Fortunately, some smart people have devised a few programs to detect and get rid of this adware from your computer

The two more commonly used programs ar
Ad-aware from lavasoft: http://www.lavasoftusa.com
Spybot by PepiMK software: http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=downloa

If that doesn't work
In addition to running these programs, you should also run (often) your anti-virus software, and make sure that it is updated
You can also set the paging file (Virtual Memory) size by going to Start > Settings > Control Panel > System | In the "System Properties" window, select the "Advanced Tab" > In the performance section click the "Settings" button > In the next window select the "Advanced Tab" and click the "Change" button at the bottom | In this section you can Customize your paging file size or you can let the system manage it. I don't really know the strengths and weaknesses of each choice though

Hope this help

-Chris

 

[Bill]

-----Original Message-----
Hello Ann,
I don't know if this is the same problem that you are

dealing with, but a few days ago, I had an error saying
something along the lines of: Virtual memory too low,
windows is increasing page file size. If this sounds like
your problem, then this advice may help.

My understanding of the problem
On your computer, programs are loaded from the hard disk

onto your RAM. Each program that you have running on your
computer is using RAM that cannot be accessed by any other
program. When the program closes, it is supposed to return
the RAM for other programs to use. From the RAM, the
computer can quickly access the components of the program
(much quicker than if it had to retrieve it from your Hard
Disk) Sometimes, there are so many programs (or background
processes) running that your system runs out of RAM. What
your computer does at this point is creates something
called virtual memory (or a paging file). Virtual memory is
space set aside by windows on your Hard Disk that acts as
RAM (though obviously much slower) The error that i believe
we both have experienced occurs when this virtual memory
also fills up.

Potential Causes:
Recently, a problem has plagued many computer systems:

adware. Adware is advertising software that makes it's way
into your system and reports back to whichever company sent
it out. From what I have read, the information these
programs retrieve are your location, computer information,
other sites you visit, etc etc. These adware programs are
running on your computer almost all the time, and
naturally, using up your RAM. Occasionally, one of these
"background" programs starts taking up more and more RAM,
and not putting it back. Each time the program or process
runs, it uses a little more RAM while never returning it.
This is called a RAM leak. Fortunately, some smart people
have devised a few programs to detect and get rid of this
adware from your computer.

The two more commonly used programs are
Ad-aware from lavasoft: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/
Spybot by PepiMK software: http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=download

If that doesn't work:
In addition to running these programs, you should also run

(often) your anti-virus software, and make sure that it is
updated.

You can also set the paging file (Virtual Memory) size by

going to Start > Settings > Control Panel > System | In the
"System Properties" window, select the "Advanced Tab" > In
the performance section click the "Settings" button > In
the next window select the "Advanced Tab" and click the
"Change" button at the bottom | In this section you can
Customize your paging file size or you can let the system
manage it. I don't really know the strengths and weaknesses
of each choice though.

Hope this helps

-Chris
.

Further information on page file:
http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpvm.php

Bill