Virtual memory minimum too low

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.)
 

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.

I am having the same problem with the virtual memory error.  Let me start with telling you that I am a COMPLETE novice with computers.  However, my computer is brand new and I am not running anything when I get this message.  My son told me that I have plenty of memory so I should not be getting this error.  I have already returned one computer because of all the errors that I was getting.  Should I just get a refund and look elsewhere?  Dell tech support is a joke.

If you are getting this error, it is because -something- (or several somethings) is using up your memory.
Since you are not aware of anything running, it is probably background and/or spyware programs running.

If (Win XP ) press CTL+ALT+DEL, then click on the tabs for Applications and Processes. Check each screen for the list of programs - you may be surprised to see all that is running.

On the Applications screen, you can (almost definitely) close all of these programs.  These should only be applications like MS Word, Word Perfect,  America Online, Netscape Communicator, ... etc.
If you don't need it running at the moment - kill the application.

On the other hand, you may have one or two dozen REQUIRED processes on the Process screen.  Things like print managers, network connections, password authentication, even your video drivers - may be in the list of processes.  You should not mess with any of these until you know what each one does. (I usually do a google search.)

There is no foolproof easy way to stop this.  It doesn't matter what brand of computer you get.
The process isn't terribly complex, but it does require some time and attention. 
Having this error can be really frustrating.  Being able to fix it yourself can give you a sense of accomplishment.

You do need to make sure that your
 - operating system is updated (Windows Update - at least every week)
 - AntiVirus software is current and running all the time. Do a full system scan at least once a week.
 - Run a spyware cleaner, or at least use one of the free websites to scan (http://doxdesk.com/parasites)
   Software like AdAware will work well for a beginner to use.  Just make sure that you keep that updated, and run it every day.

Check your startup list, find out what does start every time you boot up (do this only when you feel it needed):
- Start > Run > type:  MSCONFIG  then hit enter
Click on the STARTUP tab on the right.
For diagnosis only - look up what each program / process does. Then, if not necessary, uncheck it.
When you restart the machine, these unchecked programs will not start.
You will be alerted that "MS Configuration Utility" is running - that is okay.
If you see an improvement, then go back and remove the program "the right way".

MSconfig is only a temporary measure. Sometimes the program (like MSOffice) is starting because a link is in your startup folder. (in XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup ) if that is the case, just delete the link in this folder.  You may need to Uninstall programs, or use your Anti-Virus /Anti-Spyware programs to remove those culprits.

If you follow these steps, then practice safe usage, you should not have any problems.

Safe use includes:
Be smart about viruses - don't accept any email from folks you don't know, and don't open any attachment unless you are absolutely certain about what it is.  Even then, scan it for viruses.
Don't use, or let other people use your computer for file sharing, and don't download music, songs, software except from legitimate vendors.  If you do, you are "walking in a bad neighborhood", and more likely to find trouble.
Don't open web pages, click on pop-up links, or especially don't download anything about Spam/Spyware/Viruses that comes to you unsolicited.  If it were any good, we would already be looking for it, and they wouldn't need to drum up business this way.  It's usually a scam anyhow.