Page File System low warning

Frequently I receive messages informing me that my paging file system is low on space and will temporarily be adjusted for me -- but I should also make an adjustment in it. So, I enter the Performance Options in System Properties, set the numbers as is recommended, click on Set and exit.

Then, after a little while it happens again, either during routine operation of the computer or on boot up.

I'm running Win2k Professional with sp4. I enter and set it as the Administrator.

Any suggestions?

 

Hi Jim...

Why not increase the page file so it won't bother you anymore.

How much RAM do you have? I have been told a good rule of thumb to use is for page file size is 2.5 times the amount of RAM installed. So if you had 128 MB RAM your page file should be set to approx 300 MB.

MS advises using 1.5 times the physical RAM installed...quote from MS Knowledge Base article Q197379

 

Including my 512 meg card I have some 523+ meg of memory. so I set the max at 1,309 meg. We'll see if that keeps it satisfied. Are you sure that won't make problems elsewhere?

 

That won't make problems elsewhere.

If you are using lots of stuff that likes to hog memory and if you are not short on drive space, why not set your min and max pagefile size to 2048? It may be way more than you need but it certainly won't hurt.

With XP, the defragger will deal with a fragmented page file. 2K won't unless you go with some 3rd party app like the page file defrag utility from www.sysinternals.com (free and excellent) or a defrag app that specifically deals with the pagefile and registry hives. With the size fixed, it just never frags and that amount should mean you never run low.

If drive space is a consideration, then min/max of 1024 would probably be more than enough.

 

Hey Jim...

Sorry I did not respond to your question sooner but I see Newt gave you a great answer.

If your interested in learning about your Page File I have included a couple links for your information.

- http://www.theeldergeek.com/paging_file.htm - has more links about the Page file on the bottom of the page.
- http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314482

 

Thanks for the replies. Sorry for the delay -- income taxes!

Setting it for a max of 1309 still had problems. I'll look at the references you suggested and maybe try the fixed size to see what happens.

Thanks for staying with me.

Jim