1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

virtual memory, what are the side affects

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by apugh82, 2008/04/13.

  1. 2008/04/13
    apugh82

    apugh82 Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2008/04/03
    Messages:
    30
    Likes Received:
    0
    hi all,
    does having a high virtual memory damage your harddisk in anyway,
    my pc is old and i'm running xp, so its a little stretched
    it was also a hand-me-down,
    as i began to build i use to get VM too low messages system is increasing it but it kept going back so I increased it, dont exceding what space i had left on my hard drive(i think from 192mb to 300mb)
    this also seemed to take up the slack from the RAM as at the time i only had 128mb this is now 512mb which is the max for this pc,
    but i've just put in a new hard drive so i thought that i would in crease the VM is this going to have any adverse effect
     
    apugh82,
    #1
  2. 2008/04/13
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,890
    Likes Received:
    387
    Virtual Memory is a reserved portion of the drive (Pagefile/Swapfile) which Windows uses as additional memory, switching data between RAM and Virtual memory depending on the demands of the user. As such is is simply a 'file' just like any other file and cannot damge your drve in any way.

    Now that you have your new drive installed set a fixed Pagefile equal to 1.5 x the installed RAM - in your case 770 Mb max, 770 Mb min as detailled below ....

    Control Panel > System > Advanced > Performance > Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory - Change ...

    Highlight the drive, click on custom size, type in max and min values (both the same - 770 Mb) and click on Set and OK out. You will probably need to reboot for the new setting to be effective.
     
    PeteC,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2008/04/13
    apugh82

    apugh82 Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2008/04/03
    Messages:
    30
    Likes Received:
    0
    :)thank you peteC
    yep once again i went OTT
    i've set it to 770mb
     
    apugh82,
    #3
  5. 2008/04/13
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,890
    Likes Received:
    387
    No problem :)

    If you are at all concerned about anything on the computer - just ask - that's what we're here for - to give answers.
     
    PeteC,
    #4

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...