Win98 PC - false "out of memory" error msg

Hey folks,

I've recently set up a 2 PC wireless network using my old Win98 PC and the new XP hot rod. I've been able to set up the network between the 2 and am able to copy files from the new XP machine to the old 98 box.

Unfortunately when I try t go in the other direction (98 > XP) I get a Windows error message saying that the 98 machine is out of memory and I should close some apps. I get this as soon as I try opening my shared folder on the XP machine from the 98 PC even if I try immediately after start up. I also get this message when trying to print from the 98 machine to the printer on the XP machine.

Trouble is that I have plenty of memory (256 meg) and no apps running. A couple of memory utilities I have show 160 meg free after start up. There's plenty of memory! FYI the Win98 machine is an AMD 333 Win98 (not second edition).

Any suggestions? Am I missing something here?

 

First thing that comes to mind is permissions, even though they shouldn't cause the probelms you are mentioning. On the XP machine, ensure the guest account is activated. You say you're intermediate, so I'll assume you know how to do that. If not, post back, and I'll tell you how. Just a bit rushed at the moment

 

perhaps check how much HDD you have free on the older PC; can get this message when a swapfile can't grow enough on demand. With 256MB RAM you shouldn't be needing too much swapfile(!) of course... (I take it that the 256MB refers to the old PC?)... unless maybe memory management is set to something unfortunate.
best wishes, HJ.

 

Hi wildswing- The error messages that you are getting do not refer only to RAM. Do you have the Windows Resource meter in your system tray? If not, go to Start|Programs|Accessories|System Tools| and turn it on. If you don't see it there, you will have to add it in the Add/Remove programs applet|Windows setup| in Control Panel. Keep an eye on that after bootup and post back with what you see for resources. Also, it's probably a good idea to go to Start|Run|msconfig and uncheck some of the unneeded things that are loading automatically. Good luck!Clydeo22

 

BTW, it's XP Home not Pro. I have the XP shared documents folder set up for sharing. I can see it from the Win98 PC but the error comes up as soon as I try to open the folder from the 98 machine.

Ryder...I activated the user account on the XP machine but still no go.

Q...does the Win98 PC have to log into an account on the XP machine?

Hugh/Clydeo... (on the Win98 machine) 2 gig still available on the 6 gig HD - Resource monitor shows 81, 81, and 92% free respectively - swap file size = 115 meg but 0 in use - unused physical memory 111 meg - alocated memory 215 meg (that doesn't add up but that's what it's telling me). I regularly clean up the start up files. I'm running only what I need. Lotsa free resources left to use.


I also tried setting up an account with the same name as the user on the 98 pc, "anyone ". FYI, the 98 pc does not have multiple profiles. Same one for everyone. The XP box has 2 admin and 2 limited accounts and now has the Guest and "anyone" accounts as well. "anyone" is still limited. I have not tried changing it to admin level yet.

 

Sorry forgot to ask.

(a little off topic here) Since my 98 pc is using only one profile for all users, how do I change the name of that user. I've set it up so there's no log on. The existing name, as mentioned above, is "anyone ". If I wanted to change that, where would I do it? I can't find it anywhere.

 

Hi wildswing- Your swapfile looks like it is quite a bit undersized, if I'm interpreting your post correctly. Try setting it to a Windows managed swapfile in System |Performance tab| virtual memory button to see if that changes matters. Clydeo22.

 

The swap file is "windows managed ". It just happened to be that size when I checked.

Talking to my IT guy at work and it sounds to him like a permissions thing in XP maybe.

 

Hey fellas,

I'm still no closer to solving this. I've moved the conversation to the networking forum where I've added some more questions...

http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26233

 

I had the same problem.
There is a tip in Computeractive Workshops this month which suggests the amount of memory set aside by Windows for the CD ROM is too much and could be reduced. I've done this and have had no problems so far, but it's early days !

 

yorki,

This particular problem was solved. See newer thread wildswing referred to.