Virtual memory is actually part of a computer's physical memory that
comes in the form of memory chips or RAMs. So what right? Well, it is a
necessary evil and in order for your computer to run numerous programs
simultaneously (at the same time), it looks for areas of RAM (Random
Access Memory) that is not currently being used and it copies files
over to what is called page files. This is simply a process that allows
RAM to free up space and subsequently load new or additional
applications. This process is technically called thrashing and the
result of it can cause the computer to react somewhat slower in its
functions. However, when the computer hard drive (virtual memory) which
is slower than the installed memory chips wants to correct itself, it
has to constantly swap between the RAM and the hard disk drive.
What Causes These Windows Out of Virtual Memory Error Messages?
- The first and foremost probability is that the
Windows operating platform page file maximum file size - is too small.
You may think your system has a large amount of virtual memory (RAM)
because the person that sold you the computer told you so. Well, this
may or may not be the actuality if page files are set too low and you
are getting error messages. Obviously if you are getting an error
message page files are being maxed out and something needs to be
changed to correct the situation.
- There could have been a
power failure or, you shut your computer off incorrectly which led to a
file or files becoming corrupted and this subsequent virtual memory
message beginning to haunt you. So the two lessons learned here is to
have a back-up source of power and, to always get into the practice of
properly shutting down Windows via the start button where it reads
"Turn off computer" in lieu of simply hitting the power off button.
Okay,
so now that you have an idea of what virtual memory is, system
thrashing and how it suddenly became an irritant error message, what
can be done to make things right in your Windows operating platform?
Realize
that although Windows automatically sets both minimum (the amount of
RAM installed on your PC + 300 MB) and maximum (3 times the amount of
installed RAM) to its page file sizes if you do get that virtual memory
error message - then you can do the following steps to increase these
minimum and maximum page file sizes;
Re-Setting Windows 2000 virtual page file sizes
- Right-click My Computer , and than click Properties
- Within System Properties menu box, click Advanced
- Click
Performance Options . Within this pane (Virtual Memory), click Change
to increase the paging file. Take special note that your Windows 2000
minimal value requires at least 126 MB for debugging.
- After you change (increase) the setting, click Set, and than click OK to the following message you will receive;
- The changes you have made require you to restart your computer before they can take effect.
- Click OK to close the Performance Options menu, and than click OK to close the Systems Properties menu.
- When prompted to restart your computer, simply respond to Yes
Re-Setting Windows XP virtual page file sizes
- Click Start , right click My Computer, and than click Properties
- In the System Properties menu box, click the Advanced tab.
- In the Performance menu, click Settings
- In the Performance Options menu, click upon the Advanced tab.
- In the Virtual Memory menu, click Change
- Change the Initial and Maximum Value Sizes to a higher value, click Set and than click OK
- Click OK to close Performance Options menu, and finally OK to close the Systems Properties menu
Re-Setting Windows Vista virtual page file sizes .
- Click on the Start button, click Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then click System
- In
the left pane, click Advanced system settings. If you are prompted for
an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide
confirmation.
- On the Advanced menu, under Performance, click Settings
- Click the Advanced tab, and then, under Virtual memory menu, click Change
- Clear the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives check box.
- Under Drive [Volume Label] , click the drive that contains the paging file you want to change.
A CPU upgrade would be a good idea, the core 2 duo is a superb processor.
Also a bit more ram perhaps another gig or two? and maybe a 512mb graphics cards would be good for gaming.
perhaps a better power supply too as E520 was not really designed for gaming.
×