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Not enough virtual memory
I have a new dimension 4550,P4,256MB DDR SDRAM at 266MHz with a 128 MB DDR ATI video card. My problem starts when i play Microsoft "Combat flight simulator 3". 1st it takes a long time to load, after that the video stops briefly or hesitates. Then a message appears saying there is not enough virtual memory & that windows will take memory from other areas. Then the computer locks up & a clicking sound can be heard from the tower. The computer has to be shut down manually & won't restart untill it has been turned off at least 3 times. Sometimes this clicking starts even when the game is not being used. In fact it started doing it again 15min ago when i tried sending this message. I had to restart the machine 3 times & start all over. Can this machine be configured to play games or do i have to use my old computer for them. I called Dell a couple of times but can't seem to get a decent response.
Prospector
10 Posts
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Posted February 2nd, 2003 22:00
You should be able to run games fine.. I question Combat Flight Simulator.. many complants here and abouts. I myself don't have it.. I run MS Flight Simulator all the time.
CPU at 100% is common for games.. as they run realtime.. takes whats available.
MS FS 2002 loads in about 100 mb..(60-120) with 256 mb system memory and usually have about 50 mb still free!
Later
belvedere37
7 Posts
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Posted February 3rd, 2003 03:00
If your not on the net when your playing, you may also want to turn off your antivirus stuff and any other programs that aint needed.
When I got mine it had 256 mb's of ram and hung up all the time, I suggest 512 mb minimum
you should be able to adjust your virtual memory by opening control panel, click system, click the advanced tab, on the performance [ top] click settings, click the advanced tab, go down to virtual memory, click change. Now here is where you'll have to make a decision----- you'll have to put your custom settings in it, or use system managed size---- the recomended initial size is 1.5 times the amount of ram you have and the max size is 3 times the amount of ram you have----- or you can use the system managed size and let the computer do it for you, hope this helps
Prospector
10 Posts
475
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Posted February 3rd, 2003 23:00
With Combat flight simulator 3 running .. press CNTL-ALT-DEL
Select the performance window and check the following:
Under Commit Charge (K)
Total xxxxxx
Under Physical Memory (K)
Total 261xxx (If you have 256 mb memory installed)
If the value in total commit exceeds total physical the result is excessive paging and reduced performance.
Also if your running a game and the cpu usage is at or close to 100%.. as long as that application is running then everything will appear slow... loading word, etc... and so on.. this is normal!
If your exceeding your memory tune the game till you can install additional memory.. 512 mb..
The above is taken from my xp reference manual..
Hang in there ... :)
Prospector
10 Posts
475
0
Posted February 2nd, 2003 17:00
Sounds like a bad application has been loaded using resources..
I assume you have no viruses... ;) and not connected to the net..
How does is run normally without the game running?
Open Task Manager... (very usefull tool, read up on it if you can..) CNTL ALT DEL (keys)
Look at which programs are using memory and cpu time.. "Processes" and "Performance"
Now load Combat Flight Simulator observe changes in Task Manager.
Not an answer but a place to start..
Also you can uninstall application that you suspect, Combat Flight Simulator be a good place to start till I get system back to normal..
Good luck..