[Low] Virtual Memory

Im not computer familar that well but I keep geting warning messages about low virtual memory? What is this and how do I fix it.. TIA.

 

Well i could jsut be online looking at a message board and get the message or even offline running virus scan. I know I only have 128 ram on my computer the settings are 191 and 384

 

Hi Jen

If 2k was performing ok before this it should do so again.

? how much free disk space do you have. If you are short on disk space it could cause this.

if disk space is low, do temp cleanups and uninstall useless old and unused programs from Add/Remove.

use these to cleanup
http://www.ccleaner.com/download/downloadpage.aspx?f=3
http://www.majorgeeks.com/DCleaner_d4790.html
ATF-Cleaner http://www.atribune.org/content/view/25/2/

also set the virtual memory (pagefile) back to windows system managed.

another possibility is a leakey program. (a program that does not properly release its memory when you exit). do you have a suspect?

let us know the results.

JJ

 

Very simple in most cases have more memory ( ram modules ) installed
Just ask here for help.
This program may tell you the type of ram:

http://www.vintagecomputermanuals.com/FTP/aida32pe_375.zip

or try :

http://belarc.com/


the ram chip is a module that snaps into your motherboard.
basically ram is electronic memory that windows works in. It is like the top of your desk . When you finish your work and put the books you have worked on away it is all gone. Same with ram . When you shut off your computer it is all gone. ( unlike your hard drive which is like a library and stays intact when the computer is shut off)
Windows works in that electronic memory. If windows does not have sufficient ram it will actually create memory on the hard drive itself , writing to the hard drive. This is a slow mechanical process as compared to rapid electronic ram memory.
Ram comes in various types over the years.
You have windows 2000 > your computer most likely uses pc 100 or pc 133 speed ram.
Either use the prorgams above to diagnose which type, go the maker specs of the computer ( dell , hp etc) or other means. Sometimes it is labelled on the ram, sometimes it is not. I have a friend who can read the tiny voltage numbers on the ram chips from across the room and instantly tell you the ram speed ( regardless of how the technical nutcases labelled it ).
At the worst you can pay full bore retail prices. Used ram that is perfectly fine goes for a lot less. Your is most likely now older ram - either a retail shop will charge you a premium for less current stuff or you will find someone with used ram who is glad to sell it cheaply - found money as they say.
It for the most part snaps in. You cannot do a lot of harm ( wonder what the experts will say here) installing ram modules if the machine is off an unplugged and you line up the ram and do not force it in causing physical damage to the ram slot. At the worst the computer will not boot up and you will hear a beeping sound.
By the way the previous ram was called pc 66 , pc 100 or newest pc 133 sdram. The newest ram used in the newest computers is generally ddr sdram.
Installing more ram is the cheapest and easiest way to boost the performance on your computer.

 

and, if you don't know exactly what you have, you can download a program I have found helpful called "Everest" from www.majorgeeks.com just look under the "system info" link on the left. Maybe someone here can provide a direct link to the download file.

 

Simple answer is to add more ram
They come in modules that are snapped in
Your computer is older - if you buy the older ram new it is not worth it
However if ask around - google groups , ebay , friends it is found money for them and of no use - it will either be PC 100 pr PC 133
You put it in with the computer unplugged
You cannot do a lot of harm to your computer
If it does not work it will just beep and not start

For you interest and info
Windows run in memory
The ram chips provide fast electronic memory
If there is not enough ram memory ( cost at the time) windows will make memory on the hard drive
This is mechanical and slow
It may be that you do not have enough hard drive space for windows to add more
Regardless the best thing to do is to add more ram
Find someone who is handy - this is routine and have him add it in