Unsolved
This post is more than 5 years old
4 Posts
0
12356
June 9th, 2003 02:00
Virtual memory minimum too low
I wasnt sure which category this went under, but i need help Every time I log onto my computer, a little yellow triangle with an exclamation mark inside it pops up on my toolbar and says...Windows-Virtual memory minimum too low. Your system is low on virtual memory. Windows is increasing the size of your virtual memory paging file. During this process, memory requests for some applications may be denied...Should i worry about this, and what can i do to change it so that it doesnt say that anymore...any help would be GREAT
thanks
No Events found!


JoiseyBill
2 Intern
•
91 Posts
0
June 10th, 2003 00:00
Should you worry? Maybe a little.
Does it belong in this thread - maybe, the Paging file is kinda on the drive. Next time, it should post in Operating Systems, probably.
This message means you don't have enough memory to run the programs that are sceduled to run at startup. The system is making a compromise, and expanding the part of the hard drive that it borrows - the paging file.
Address this by either 1) adding more RAM memory and/or 2) reduce the amount of stuff that starts when you log on. Some might recommend 3) Increase the minimum size of your swap (paging) file, 3A) make it static.
Reasoning: Any program that has to run needs to be loaded into RAM memory - at least a part of it does. RAM is pretty fast, as computer parts go. RAM is also more expensive than Hard Disk 'storage' memory. That kind is much slower, but also much cheaper. As a compromise, Windows (and most systems) borrow some storage space on the hard drive. When something needs to run right this second - it gets pulled into RAM. IF it can wait a few seconds ( micro-seconds) it gets pushed off onto the "paging file" to make room for stuff that needs immediate space. The paging file is slow, but it allows your system to run lots more programs than if you could only run what is loaded in RAM.
How To: Changing / Adding RAM is easy - it just costs money. Check out Dell or Crucial, or Kingston. Most places that will sell you memory will show you how easy it is to install.
Reduce the startup queue ( free, but time consuming): Look at all your programs. If any ( like AOL, QuickTime, MSN, Real, MS Office... and many others) are in your Start\Programs\StartMenu\startup folder, they are told to load on startup. You can probably delete the shortcuts for almost anything there. You can start the program when you need it.
Same thing for Tray icons - I know where to find the program if I need it - I don't need them to start it for me. Check your AntiVirus software settings - a lot of stuff happens right at startup. If you have your AV software set to auto-update, consider delaying that for 3 or 6 minutes after startup. ( You do have AntiVirus software, and it does update frequently. )
Look for rogue programs - make sure your AV is up to date, and do a full scan. Check with doxdesk.com or GRC.com and see if you have any spyware loading. They may be taking the opportunity to 'call home' when you start up.
Consider how programs are configured - if Adobe / Real / AntiVirus/ Windows Update are configured to call home and check for updates, but you are not actively connected to the internet - those programs will kick around for eternities trying to connect. disable auto-update, unless you usually have a network connection on.
Investigate your Windows settings. Cut screen resolution, disable fancy animations, sound schemes and screen savers - these can all tax your system , or at least add to the workload.
If you decide to tamper with virtual memory (not for novices), you can also find these settings in Windows configuration. (also free, but risky - even for 'professionals')
There are some utilities that you can buy that report to increase performance or memory. They may do the job, but I am always suspicious about adding more software if there's already a memory shortage. If they do work, it may be easier than doing all this by hand.
Don't forget about basic PC maintenance, too - clean out the Trash/Recycle bin - defrag the drive once in a while, keep some open space on your hard drive, completely shut down and reboot the system to refresh memory. If you have multiple user accounts, completely log out of unused accounts to save memory. Avoid running multiple programs in the background.
If you have some specific question about this, let me know. ( If you want specific answers, incluse what OS and software you are using.)
SinnocenceD
1 Message
0
June 11th, 2003 09:00
for virtual mem settings - read article outlaying values ... [approx] for virtual mem.
64 - 128 Megs ... Ram * 3
128 - 256 ... Ram * 1.5
256 + ... Ram * 1
so if you have 192 for instance, make min + max on Virtual memory = 288
round up if you'd feel happier ...can always tweak at later stage ... increase/decrase as you feel necessary - get a utility to monitor page file usage [and record] .. let it record for a day with you doing normal things [also play a game or something for a while - if you do] ... this way you should see max pagefile usage - or get some idea of how big it needs to be.
maryann werth
3 Posts
0
February 24th, 2004 08:00