The /3GB Switch..

[JD]

I'm using Windows XP, home edition, SP3 and I'd like to try using the
/3GB switch to use more of my 4GB of RAM for Photoshop.

My notes indicate: On systems that have 1 GB or more of physical memory,
two startup switches can be used to allocate more memory to applications
(3 GB) and less memory to the operating system (1 GB).

The /3GB switch is used to effect this allocation change. The switch is
entered in the system’s boot.ini file and takes effect after a restart.

C:\boot.ini

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /3GB

The last line of my boot.ini file looks like this:

Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer

The AMD driver for my X2 dual core processor added the /usepmtimer ,
because the default processor timestamp-counter (TSC) is not
synchronized properly between cores, and causes certain applications to
run at double speed.

So where do I put the /3GB?

Do I make the last line of my boot.ini look like this?

Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer /3GB

Is this going to work or am I just asking for trouble?

Thanks.

 

[John John (MVP)]

It doesn't really matter where you put the switch in the boot.ini file,
as you posted .../noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer /3GB will be ok.

John

 

[JD]

Any downside to using the /3GB switch?

I manage my pagefile. I have a pagefile on my C: drive, 2046 - 4989 and
I have a pagefile on my second hdd, G: 2046 - 4989. Both drives have
multiple partitions. C,D and E on drive 0, F and G on drive 1.

It doesn't really matter where you put the switch in the boot.ini file,
as you posted .../noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer /3GB will be ok.

John

I'm using Windows XP, home edition, SP3 and I'd like to try using the
/3GB switch to use more of my 4GB of RAM for Photoshop.

My notes indicate: On systems that have 1 GB or more of physical
memory, two startup switches can be used to allocate more memory to
applications (3 GB) and less memory to the operating system (1 GB).

The /3GB switch is used to effect this allocation change. The switch
is entered in the system’s boot.ini file and takes effect after a
restart.

C:\boot.ini

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /3GB

The last line of my boot.ini file looks like this:

Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer

The AMD driver for my X2 dual core processor added the /usepmtimer ,
because the default processor timestamp-counter (TSC) is not
synchronized properly between cores, and causes certain applications
to run at double speed.

So where do I put the /3GB?

Do I make the last line of my boot.ini look like this?

Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer /3GB

Is this going to work or am I just asking for trouble?

Thanks.

 

[John John (MVP)]

The /3GB switch doesn't directly allow the application to access more
RAM as such, it allows applications to have a greater share of the
32-bit Virtual Address Space which in turn may allow them to have a
greater share of physical RAM.

On workstations the greatest concern is probably that the reduction in
the available Non-Paged Pool (the RAM which cannot be paged) may
seriously affect drivers, especially poorly written drivers. On servers
the greatest concern is usually the severe drop in the Free PTE's which
may affect the server's ability to map system pages. You will find
answers to many of your questions in the following article:

Memory Management - Demystifying /3GB
http://blogs.technet.com/askperf/archive/2007/03/23/memory-management-demystifying-3gb.aspx

John

Any downside to using the /3GB switch?

I manage my pagefile. I have a pagefile on my C: drive, 2046 - 4989 and
I have a pagefile on my second hdd, G: 2046 - 4989. Both drives have
multiple partitions. C,D and E on drive 0, F and G on drive 1.

It doesn't really matter where you put the switch in the boot.ini
file, as you posted .../noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer /3GB
will be ok.

John

I'm using Windows XP, home edition, SP3 and I'd like to try using the
/3GB switch to use more of my 4GB of RAM for Photoshop.

My notes indicate: On systems that have 1 GB or more of physical
memory, two startup switches can be used to allocate more memory to
applications (3 GB) and less memory to the operating system (1 GB).

The /3GB switch is used to effect this allocation change. The switch
is entered in the system’s boot.ini file and takes effect after a
restart.

C:\boot.ini

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /3GB

The last line of my boot.ini file looks like this:

Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer

The AMD driver for my X2 dual core processor added the /usepmtimer ,
because the default processor timestamp-counter (TSC) is not
synchronized properly between cores, and causes certain applications
to run at double speed.

So where do I put the /3GB?

Do I make the last line of my boot.ini look like this?

Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer /3GB

Is this going to work or am I just asking for trouble?

Thanks.

 

[JD]

After reading that, I'm not so sure I need to /3GB switch. I was just
doing it for Photoshop and Photoshop is running OK now. Thanks for the link!

The /3GB switch doesn't directly allow the application to access more
RAM as such, it allows applications to have a greater share of the
32-bit Virtual Address Space which in turn may allow them to have a
greater share of physical RAM.

On workstations the greatest concern is probably that the reduction in
the available Non-Paged Pool (the RAM which cannot be paged) may
seriously affect drivers, especially poorly written drivers. On servers
the greatest concern is usually the severe drop in the Free PTE's which
may affect the server's ability to map system pages. You will find
answers to many of your questions in the following article:

Memory Management - Demystifying /3GB
http://blogs.technet.com/askperf/archive/2007/03/23/memory-management-demystifying-3gb.aspx


John

Any downside to using the /3GB switch?

I manage my pagefile. I have a pagefile on my C: drive, 2046 - 4989
and I have a pagefile on my second hdd, G: 2046 - 4989. Both drives
have multiple partitions. C,D and E on drive 0, F and G on drive 1.

It doesn't really matter where you put the switch in the boot.ini
file, as you posted .../noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer /3GB
will be ok.

John



JD wrote:

I'm using Windows XP, home edition, SP3 and I'd like to try using
the /3GB switch to use more of my 4GB of RAM for Photoshop.

My notes indicate: On systems that have 1 GB or more of physical
memory, two startup switches can be used to allocate more memory to
applications (3 GB) and less memory to the operating system (1 GB).

The /3GB switch is used to effect this allocation change. The switch
is entered in the system’s boot.ini file and takes effect after a
restart.

C:\boot.ini

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /3GB

The last line of my boot.ini file looks like this:

Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer

The AMD driver for my X2 dual core processor added the /usepmtimer ,
because the default processor timestamp-counter (TSC) is not
synchronized properly between cores, and causes certain applications
to run at double speed.

So where do I put the /3GB?

Do I make the last line of my boot.ini look like this?

Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer /3GB

Is this going to work or am I just asking for trouble?

Thanks.

 

[John John (MVP)]

If Adobe tells you that Photoshop is LARGEADDRESSAWARE (which I am quite
sure it is) and if you have a large amount of RAM (which you do have) I
have no doubts that Photoshop should benefit from the use of the switch.
If you want you can create a second entry in the boot.ini file which
would allow you to select to boot Windows with or without the switch.
You can also fine tune the 4GT option with the use of the /userva switch:

How to use the /userva switch with the /3GB switch to tune the User-mode
space to a value between 2 GB and 3 GB
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316739

John

After reading that, I'm not so sure I need to /3GB switch. I was just
doing it for Photoshop and Photoshop is running OK now. Thanks for the
link!

The /3GB switch doesn't directly allow the application to access more
RAM as such, it allows applications to have a greater share of the
32-bit Virtual Address Space which in turn may allow them to have a
greater share of physical RAM.

On workstations the greatest concern is probably that the reduction in
the available Non-Paged Pool (the RAM which cannot be paged) may
seriously affect drivers, especially poorly written drivers. On
servers the greatest concern is usually the severe drop in the Free
PTE's which may affect the server's ability to map system pages. You
will find answers to many of your questions in the following article:

Memory Management - Demystifying /3GB
http://blogs.technet.com/askperf/archive/2007/03/23/memory-management-demystifying-3gb.aspx


John

Any downside to using the /3GB switch?

I manage my pagefile. I have a pagefile on my C: drive, 2046 - 4989
and I have a pagefile on my second hdd, G: 2046 - 4989. Both drives
have multiple partitions. C,D and E on drive 0, F and G on drive 1.

John John (MVP) wrote:

It doesn't really matter where you put the switch in the boot.ini
file, as you posted .../noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer /3GB
will be ok.

John



JD wrote:

I'm using Windows XP, home edition, SP3 and I'd like to try using
the /3GB switch to use more of my 4GB of RAM for Photoshop.

My notes indicate: On systems that have 1 GB or more of physical
memory, two startup switches can be used to allocate more memory to
applications (3 GB) and less memory to the operating system (1 GB).

The /3GB switch is used to effect this allocation change. The
switch is entered in the system’s boot.ini file and takes effect
after a restart.

C:\boot.ini

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /3GB

The last line of my boot.ini file looks like this:

Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer

The AMD driver for my X2 dual core processor added the /usepmtimer
, because the default processor timestamp-counter (TSC) is not
synchronized properly between cores, and causes certain
applications to run at double speed.

So where do I put the /3GB?

Do I make the last line of my boot.ini look like this?

Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer /3GB

Is this going to work or am I just asking for trouble?

Thanks.

 

[JD]

I hate to mess with something when the computer is booting good and
Photoshop is working OK. I'll take a closer look at the /userva switch
but sometimes it's best to let sleeping dogs lie. If it ain't broke then
I'll mess with it until it is?

I'm putting all your links into my Photoshop notes in case I want to
experiment at a later date. Photoshop is just an expensive hobby for me.

I really do appreciate your help. I've learned a lot.

If Adobe tells you that Photoshop is LARGEADDRESSAWARE (which I am quite
sure it is) and if you have a large amount of RAM (which you do have) I
have no doubts that Photoshop should benefit from the use of the switch.
If you want you can create a second entry in the boot.ini file which
would allow you to select to boot Windows with or without the switch.
You can also fine tune the 4GT option with the use of the /userva switch:

How to use the /userva switch with the /3GB switch to tune the User-mode
space to a value between 2 GB and 3 GB
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316739

John

After reading that, I'm not so sure I need to /3GB switch. I was just
doing it for Photoshop and Photoshop is running OK now. Thanks for the
link!

The /3GB switch doesn't directly allow the application to access more
RAM as such, it allows applications to have a greater share of the
32-bit Virtual Address Space which in turn may allow them to have a
greater share of physical RAM.

On workstations the greatest concern is probably that the reduction
in the available Non-Paged Pool (the RAM which cannot be paged) may
seriously affect drivers, especially poorly written drivers. On
servers the greatest concern is usually the severe drop in the Free
PTE's which may affect the server's ability to map system pages. You
will find answers to many of your questions in the following article:

Memory Management - Demystifying /3GB
http://blogs.technet.com/askperf/archive/2007/03/23/memory-management-demystifying-3gb.aspx


John

JD wrote:

Any downside to using the /3GB switch?

I manage my pagefile. I have a pagefile on my C: drive, 2046 - 4989
and I have a pagefile on my second hdd, G: 2046 - 4989. Both drives
have multiple partitions. C,D and E on drive 0, F and G on drive 1.

John John (MVP) wrote:

It doesn't really matter where you put the switch in the boot.ini
file, as you posted .../noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer
/3GB will be ok.

John



JD wrote:

I'm using Windows XP, home edition, SP3 and I'd like to try using
the /3GB switch to use more of my 4GB of RAM for Photoshop.

My notes indicate: On systems that have 1 GB or more of physical
memory, two startup switches can be used to allocate more memory
to applications (3 GB) and less memory to the operating system (1
GB).

The /3GB switch is used to effect this allocation change. The
switch is entered in the system’s boot.ini file and takes effect
after a restart.

C:\boot.ini

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /3GB

The last line of my boot.ini file looks like this:

Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer

The AMD driver for my X2 dual core processor added the /usepmtimer
, because the default processor timestamp-counter (TSC) is not
synchronized properly between cores, and causes certain
applications to run at double speed.

So where do I put the /3GB?

Do I make the last line of my boot.ini look like this?

Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer /3GB

Is this going to work or am I just asking for trouble?

Thanks.

 

[John John (MVP)]

You're welcome.

John

I hate to mess with something when the computer is booting good and
Photoshop is working OK. I'll take a closer look at the /userva switch
but sometimes it's best to let sleeping dogs lie. If it ain't broke then
I'll mess with it until it is?

I'm putting all your links into my Photoshop notes in case I want to
experiment at a later date. Photoshop is just an expensive hobby for me.

I really do appreciate your help. I've learned a lot.

If Adobe tells you that Photoshop is LARGEADDRESSAWARE (which I am
quite sure it is) and if you have a large amount of RAM (which you do
have) I have no doubts that Photoshop should benefit from the use of
the switch. If you want you can create a second entry in the boot.ini
file which would allow you to select to boot Windows with or without
the switch. You can also fine tune the 4GT option with the use of the
/userva switch:

How to use the /userva switch with the /3GB switch to tune the
User-mode space to a value between 2 GB and 3 GB
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316739

John

After reading that, I'm not so sure I need to /3GB switch. I was just
doing it for Photoshop and Photoshop is running OK now. Thanks for
the link!

John John (MVP) wrote:

The /3GB switch doesn't directly allow the application to access
more RAM as such, it allows applications to have a greater share of
the 32-bit Virtual Address Space which in turn may allow them to
have a greater share of physical RAM.

On workstations the greatest concern is probably that the reduction
in the available Non-Paged Pool (the RAM which cannot be paged) may
seriously affect drivers, especially poorly written drivers. On
servers the greatest concern is usually the severe drop in the Free
PTE's which may affect the server's ability to map system pages.
You will find answers to many of your questions in the following
article:

Memory Management - Demystifying /3GB
http://blogs.technet.com/askperf/archive/2007/03/23/memory-management-demystifying-3gb.aspx


John

JD wrote:

Any downside to using the /3GB switch?

I manage my pagefile. I have a pagefile on my C: drive, 2046 - 4989
and I have a pagefile on my second hdd, G: 2046 - 4989. Both drives
have multiple partitions. C,D and E on drive 0, F and G on drive 1.

John John (MVP) wrote:

It doesn't really matter where you put the switch in the boot.ini
file, as you posted .../noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer
/3GB will be ok.

John



JD wrote:

I'm using Windows XP, home edition, SP3 and I'd like to try using
the /3GB switch to use more of my 4GB of RAM for Photoshop.

My notes indicate: On systems that have 1 GB or more of physical
memory, two startup switches can be used to allocate more memory
to applications (3 GB) and less memory to the operating system (1
GB).

The /3GB switch is used to effect this allocation change. The
switch is entered in the system’s boot.ini file and takes effect
after a restart.

C:\boot.ini

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /3GB

The last line of my boot.ini file looks like this:

Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer

The AMD driver for my X2 dual core processor added the
/usepmtimer , because the default processor timestamp-counter
(TSC) is not synchronized properly between cores, and causes
certain applications to run at double speed.

So where do I put the /3GB?

Do I make the last line of my boot.ini look like this?

Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer /3GB

Is this going to work or am I just asking for trouble?

Thanks.

 

[Ian D]

I hate to mess with something when the computer is booting good and
Photoshop is working OK. I'll take a closer look at the /userva switch but
sometimes it's best to let sleeping dogs lie. If it ain't broke then I'll
mess with it until it is?

I'm putting all your links into my Photoshop notes in case I want to
experiment at a later date. Photoshop is just an expensive hobby for me.

I really do appreciate your help. I've learned a lot.

The /userva switch should be used if you're going to use
the /3GB switch. For 32 bit Windows the 4GB address
space is divided with 2GB allocated to applications and
2GB allocated to the OS. Applying the 3GB switch gives
the apps an additional GB at the expense of the OS.

The problem is that the OS's memory space is shared with
the hardware requirements, so if your hardware uses almost
all of the 4th GB, the OS is left with very little to work with.
This could result in excessive paging, or a crash. The
/userva= setting reallocates some space from apps back to
the OS. Adding this to the end of your boot.ini boot line
should be sufficient: /3GB /userva=2800. If you are
concerned about this setting, you could create a dual
boot with your normal XP, and XP with the /3GB for when
you want to use PS.

As a matter of interest, 32 bit Vista only uses the /userva
setting, as the /3GB is implied.

 

[JD]

The /userva switch should be used if you're going to use
the /3GB switch. For 32 bit Windows the 4GB address
space is divided with 2GB allocated to applications and
2GB allocated to the OS. Applying the 3GB switch gives
the apps an additional GB at the expense of the OS.

The problem is that the OS's memory space is shared with
the hardware requirements, so if your hardware uses almost
all of the 4th GB, the OS is left with very little to work with.
This could result in excessive paging, or a crash. The
/userva= setting reallocates some space from apps back to
the OS. Adding this to the end of your boot.ini boot line
should be sufficient: /3GB /userva=2800. If you are
concerned about this setting, you could create a dual
boot with your normal XP, and XP with the /3GB for when
you want to use PS.

As a matter of interest, 32 bit Vista only uses the /userva
setting, as the /3GB is implied.

At this point, I don't use PS that much and when I do it's working OK so
I'm not going to change anything. I'm keeping notes in case I decide to
experiment later but that always seems to get me into trouble! ;-)

Since you mentioned it, how do I create a dual boot to use two different
boot.ini files?

 

[John John (MVP)]

At this point, I don't use PS that much and when I do it's working OK so
I'm not going to change anything. I'm keeping notes in case I decide to
experiment later but that always seems to get me into trouble! ;-)

Since you mentioned it, how do I create a dual boot to use two different
boot.ini files?

There not going to use two different boot.ini files, they will use the
same file but the file will have different entries for the options you
want. Post your boot.ini file here and someone will show you how to
change it. Basically it would typically read like so:

[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP"
/noexecute=optin /fastdetect
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP 3GB"
/noexecute=optin /fastdetect /3GB

John

 

[JD]

At this point, I don't use PS that much and when I do it's working OK
so I'm not going to change anything. I'm keeping notes in case I
decide to experiment later but that always seems to get me into
trouble! ;-)

Since you mentioned it, how do I create a dual boot to use two
different boot.ini files?

There not going to use two different boot.ini files, they will use the
same file but the file will have different entries for the options you
want. Post your boot.ini file here and someone will show you how to
change it. Basically it would typically read like so:

[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP"
/noexecute=optin /fastdetect
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP 3GB"
/noexecute=optin /fastdetect /3GB

John

What I'd like to try is the /3GB /userva=2800 switches. Let me see if I
can get it right:

Current boot.ini:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer

Switched boot.ini:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer /3GB /userva=2800

Did I get it correct?

Now, can you tell me what happens when I boot? Will I be presented with
some kind of option screen?

 

[John John (MVP)]

Ian D wrote:


I hate to mess with something when the computer is booting good and
Photoshop is working OK. I'll take a closer look at the /userva
switch but sometimes it's best to let sleeping dogs lie. If it
ain't broke then I'll mess with it until it is?

I'm putting all your links into my Photoshop notes in case I want
to experiment at a later date. Photoshop is just an expensive hobby
for me.

I really do appreciate your help. I've learned a lot.


The /userva switch should be used if you're going to use
the /3GB switch. For 32 bit Windows the 4GB address
space is divided with 2GB allocated to applications and
2GB allocated to the OS. Applying the 3GB switch gives
the apps an additional GB at the expense of the OS.

The problem is that the OS's memory space is shared with
the hardware requirements, so if your hardware uses almost
all of the 4th GB, the OS is left with very little to work with.
This could result in excessive paging, or a crash. The
/userva= setting reallocates some space from apps back to
the OS. Adding this to the end of your boot.ini boot line
should be sufficient: /3GB /userva=2800. If you are
concerned about this setting, you could create a dual
boot with your normal XP, and XP with the /3GB for when
you want to use PS.

As a matter of interest, 32 bit Vista only uses the /userva
setting, as the /3GB is implied.


At this point, I don't use PS that much and when I do it's working OK
so I'm not going to change anything. I'm keeping notes in case I
decide to experiment later but that always seems to get me into
trouble! ;-)

Since you mentioned it, how do I create a dual boot to use two
different boot.ini files?

There not going to use two different boot.ini files, they will use the
same file but the file will have different entries for the options you
want. Post your boot.ini file here and someone will show you how to
change it. Basically it would typically read like so:

[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP"
/noexecute=optin /fastdetect
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP 3GB"
/noexecute=optin /fastdetect /3GB

John

What I'd like to try is the /3GB /userva=2800 switches. Let me see if I
can get it right:

Current boot.ini:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer

Switched boot.ini:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer /3GB /userva=2800

Did I get it correct?

Yes, that looks fine.

Now, can you tell me what happens when I boot? Will I be presented with
some kind of option screen?

You will see two different boot options on a black screen and you will
be able to use the Up/Down Arrows to select the boot option that you
want. The text between the quotation marks in the boot.ini file is
descriptive text for human eyes only, you can put whatever you want for
the descriptive text and it won't matter to Windows XP and how it boots.
Both of your entries will show on the boot menu as:

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

to make it easier to differentiate the different entries you could
change the descriptive text for the /3GB entry to something like:

"Microsoft Windows XP /3GB"

If you wait more than 30 seconds (as set in the timeout=30 value) the
computer will boot to the default
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS operating system, although
in your case both options point to the same operating system, the ARC
paths are identical, only the switches are different. I believe it
would boot to the first option but I'm not 100% sure, you will have to
try it and see.

Once Windows is booted if you want to know if the /3GB switch is used
you can verify the SystemStartOptions value at:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control

John

 

[JD]

JD wrote:

Ian D wrote:


I hate to mess with something when the computer is booting good
and Photoshop is working OK. I'll take a closer look at the
/userva switch but sometimes it's best to let sleeping dogs lie.
If it ain't broke then I'll mess with it until it is?

I'm putting all your links into my Photoshop notes in case I want
to experiment at a later date. Photoshop is just an expensive
hobby for me.

I really do appreciate your help. I've learned a lot.


The /userva switch should be used if you're going to use
the /3GB switch. For 32 bit Windows the 4GB address
space is divided with 2GB allocated to applications and
2GB allocated to the OS. Applying the 3GB switch gives
the apps an additional GB at the expense of the OS.

The problem is that the OS's memory space is shared with
the hardware requirements, so if your hardware uses almost
all of the 4th GB, the OS is left with very little to work with.
This could result in excessive paging, or a crash. The
/userva= setting reallocates some space from apps back to
the OS. Adding this to the end of your boot.ini boot line
should be sufficient: /3GB /userva=2800. If you are
concerned about this setting, you could create a dual
boot with your normal XP, and XP with the /3GB for when
you want to use PS.

As a matter of interest, 32 bit Vista only uses the /userva
setting, as the /3GB is implied.


At this point, I don't use PS that much and when I do it's working
OK so I'm not going to change anything. I'm keeping notes in case I
decide to experiment later but that always seems to get me into
trouble! ;-)

Since you mentioned it, how do I create a dual boot to use two
different boot.ini files?


There not going to use two different boot.ini files, they will use
the same file but the file will have different entries for the
options you want. Post your boot.ini file here and someone will show
you how to change it. Basically it would typically read like so:

[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP"
/noexecute=optin /fastdetect
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP 3GB"
/noexecute=optin /fastdetect /3GB

John

What I'd like to try is the /3GB /userva=2800 switches. Let me see if
I can get it right:

Current boot.ini:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer

Switched boot.ini:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer /3GB /userva=2800

Did I get it correct?

Yes, that looks fine.

Now, can you tell me what happens when I boot? Will I be presented
with some kind of option screen?

You will see two different boot options on a black screen and you will
be able to use the Up/Down Arrows to select the boot option that you
want. The text between the quotation marks in the boot.ini file is
descriptive text for human eyes only, you can put whatever you want for
the descriptive text and it won't matter to Windows XP and how it boots.
Both of your entries will show on the boot menu as:

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

to make it easier to differentiate the different entries you could
change the descriptive text for the /3GB entry to something like:

"Microsoft Windows XP /3GB"

If you wait more than 30 seconds (as set in the timeout=30 value) the
computer will boot to the default
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS operating system, although
in your case both options point to the same operating system, the ARC
paths are identical, only the switches are different. I believe it
would boot to the first option but I'm not 100% sure, you will have to
try it and see.

Once Windows is booted if you want to know if the /3GB switch is used
you can verify the SystemStartOptions value at:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control

John

I'll have to get back to you. My Nero software decided my DVDr drives
were not working so I'm in the process of learning how use my new Roxio
software.

I hope I'm not wasting your time. The variable boot.ini is interesting
to me. Best of both worlds by changing the the descriptive text for the
/3GB entry?

 

[John John (MVP)]

John John (MVP) wrote:

JD wrote:

Ian D wrote:


I hate to mess with something when the computer is booting good
and Photoshop is working OK. I'll take a closer look at the
/userva switch but sometimes it's best to let sleeping dogs lie.
If it ain't broke then I'll mess with it until it is?

I'm putting all your links into my Photoshop notes in case I want
to experiment at a later date. Photoshop is just an expensive
hobby for me.

I really do appreciate your help. I've learned a lot.


The /userva switch should be used if you're going to use
the /3GB switch. For 32 bit Windows the 4GB address
space is divided with 2GB allocated to applications and
2GB allocated to the OS. Applying the 3GB switch gives
the apps an additional GB at the expense of the OS.

The problem is that the OS's memory space is shared with
the hardware requirements, so if your hardware uses almost
all of the 4th GB, the OS is left with very little to work with.
This could result in excessive paging, or a crash. The
/userva= setting reallocates some space from apps back to
the OS. Adding this to the end of your boot.ini boot line
should be sufficient: /3GB /userva=2800. If you are
concerned about this setting, you could create a dual
boot with your normal XP, and XP with the /3GB for when
you want to use PS.

As a matter of interest, 32 bit Vista only uses the /userva
setting, as the /3GB is implied.


At this point, I don't use PS that much and when I do it's working
OK so I'm not going to change anything. I'm keeping notes in case I
decide to experiment later but that always seems to get me into
trouble! ;-)

Since you mentioned it, how do I create a dual boot to use two
different boot.ini files?



There not going to use two different boot.ini files, they will use
the same file but the file will have different entries for the
options you want. Post your boot.ini file here and someone will
show you how to change it. Basically it would typically read like so:

[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP"
/noexecute=optin /fastdetect
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP 3GB"
/noexecute=optin /fastdetect /3GB

John



What I'd like to try is the /3GB /userva=2800 switches. Let me see if
I can get it right:

Current boot.ini:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer

Switched boot.ini:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer /3GB /userva=2800

Did I get it correct?

Yes, that looks fine.

Now, can you tell me what happens when I boot? Will I be presented
with some kind of option screen?

You will see two different boot options on a black screen and you will
be able to use the Up/Down Arrows to select the boot option that you
want. The text between the quotation marks in the boot.ini file is
descriptive text for human eyes only, you can put whatever you want
for the descriptive text and it won't matter to Windows XP and how it
boots. Both of your entries will show on the boot menu as:

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

to make it easier to differentiate the different entries you could
change the descriptive text for the /3GB entry to something like:

"Microsoft Windows XP /3GB"

If you wait more than 30 seconds (as set in the timeout=30 value) the
computer will boot to the default
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS operating system, although
in your case both options point to the same operating system, the ARC
paths are identical, only the switches are different. I believe it
would boot to the first option but I'm not 100% sure, you will have to
try it and see.

Once Windows is booted if you want to know if the /3GB switch is used
you can verify the SystemStartOptions value at:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control

John

I'll have to get back to you. My Nero software decided my DVDr drives
were not working so I'm in the process of learning how use my new Roxio
software.

I hope I'm not wasting your time. The variable boot.ini is interesting
to me. Best of both worlds by changing the the descriptive text for the
/3GB entry?

You're not wasting my time at all, I don't mind helping when I can.

John

 

[JD]

JD wrote:

John John (MVP) wrote:

JD wrote:

Ian D wrote:


I hate to mess with something when the computer is booting good
and Photoshop is working OK. I'll take a closer look at the
/userva switch but sometimes it's best to let sleeping dogs lie.
If it ain't broke then I'll mess with it until it is?

I'm putting all your links into my Photoshop notes in case I
want to experiment at a later date. Photoshop is just an
expensive hobby for me.

I really do appreciate your help. I've learned a lot.


The /userva switch should be used if you're going to use
the /3GB switch. For 32 bit Windows the 4GB address
space is divided with 2GB allocated to applications and
2GB allocated to the OS. Applying the 3GB switch gives
the apps an additional GB at the expense of the OS.

The problem is that the OS's memory space is shared with
the hardware requirements, so if your hardware uses almost
all of the 4th GB, the OS is left with very little to work with.
This could result in excessive paging, or a crash. The
/userva= setting reallocates some space from apps back to
the OS. Adding this to the end of your boot.ini boot line
should be sufficient: /3GB /userva=2800. If you are
concerned about this setting, you could create a dual
boot with your normal XP, and XP with the /3GB for when
you want to use PS.

As a matter of interest, 32 bit Vista only uses the /userva
setting, as the /3GB is implied.


At this point, I don't use PS that much and when I do it's working
OK so I'm not going to change anything. I'm keeping notes in case
I decide to experiment later but that always seems to get me into
trouble! ;-)

Since you mentioned it, how do I create a dual boot to use two
different boot.ini files?



There not going to use two different boot.ini files, they will use
the same file but the file will have different entries for the
options you want. Post your boot.ini file here and someone will
show you how to change it. Basically it would typically read like so:

[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP"
/noexecute=optin /fastdetect
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP 3GB"
/noexecute=optin /fastdetect /3GB

John



What I'd like to try is the /3GB /userva=2800 switches. Let me see
if I can get it right:

Current boot.ini:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer

Switched boot.ini:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /usepmtimer /3GB /userva=2800

Did I get it correct?


Yes, that looks fine.


Now, can you tell me what happens when I boot? Will I be presented
with some kind of option screen?


You will see two different boot options on a black screen and you
will be able to use the Up/Down Arrows to select the boot option that
you want. The text between the quotation marks in the boot.ini file
is descriptive text for human eyes only, you can put whatever you
want for the descriptive text and it won't matter to Windows XP and
how it boots. Both of your entries will show on the boot menu as:

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

to make it easier to differentiate the different entries you could
change the descriptive text for the /3GB entry to something like:

"Microsoft Windows XP /3GB"

If you wait more than 30 seconds (as set in the timeout=30 value) the
computer will boot to the default
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS operating system,
although in your case both options point to the same operating
system, the ARC paths are identical, only the switches are
different. I believe it would boot to the first option but I'm not
100% sure, you will have to try it and see.

Once Windows is booted if you want to know if the /3GB switch is used
you can verify the SystemStartOptions value at:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control

John

I'll have to get back to you. My Nero software decided my DVDr drives
were not working so I'm in the process of learning how use my new
Roxio software.

I hope I'm not wasting your time. The variable boot.ini is interesting
to me. Best of both worlds by changing the the descriptive text for
the /3GB entry?

You're not wasting my time at all, I don't mind helping when I can.

John

Thanks John. I've kept notes and if I decide to try the /3GB switch then
I sure have the notes to make it work. You've been very helpful.