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I have insufficient memory

Rockin' Doc Jan 28 2006 02:29 PM

I am occassionally having problems with certain programs "freezing up" on my computer system. I eventually get an error message stating that have insufficient virtual memory available. I am running Windows XP for my operating system. How do I adjust the virtual memory settings on my computer? I currently have 256 mb of RAM, should I increase the RAM? I would appreciate any advice that members could give me. This is starting to get frustrating at times.

KC Jan 28 2006 03:29 PM

If I were buying a computer I wouldn't get less than 512, but 256 should work fine - is there a specific application that this happens with or do you have a lot of stuff running at the same time? I laugh at work sometimes when someone asks for help and they have excel, word, 2 web browsers, chat software, an email client, a weather monitor all open and wanna know why their computer isn't moving fast enough. I'm not saying that's your problem, I'm just typing what popped into my head re: the subject. You can change how much of your hard drive is used by doing: Start Control Panel System Advanced tab Settings (under performance) Advanced tab Change (under Virtual Memory) Mine is set at custom 384 and max 768, I don't recall if I did that for a reason or not to be honest. I suppose one could try "system managed size" too. Good luck.

ScarletKnight41 Jan 28 2006 04:04 PM

What about some system maintenance? Defragging, Spyware Scanning and Virus Scanning? Maybe that would get rid of what's gunking up the works. Good luck!

Iubitul Jan 28 2006 04:21 PM

ScarletKnight41 wrote: What about some system maintenance? Defragging, Spyware Scanning and Virus Scanning? Maybe that would get rid of what's gunking up the works. Good luck! OK - SK giving tech advice - I just fell into an alternate universe...

ScarletKnight41 Jan 28 2006 04:26 PM

Yeah, but it's not like I told him HOW he could do it....

Nymr83 Jan 28 2006 05:04 PM

less than 512 for windows XP is not reccomended.

Rockin' Doc Jan 28 2006 05:05 PM

Scarlett - "What about some system maintenance? Defragging, Spyware Scanning and Virus Scanning? Maybe that would get rid of what's gunking up the works." My computer automatically runs Norton Antivirus twice a week. Spy Sweeper blocks most pop ups and spyware before it gets onto my system. Spy Sweeper is scheduled to run weekly to eliminate spyware that does get through. I have a 35 Gb hard drive with 16.1 Gb of free space at present. KC - "If I were buying a computer I wouldn't get less than 512, but 256 should work fine - is there a specific application that this happens with or do you have a lot of stuff running at the same time?" The problem generally occurs when I am trying to sync my MP3 player. Most of the time, it is the only application running other than the antivirus and spyware protection running in the background. I think I will try boosting my RAM to 512 mb. For now, I will see if I can optimize performance with the instructions you gave me. Thanks to both of you for your response.

ScarletKnight41 Jan 28 2006 05:12 PM

No problem - good luck with the expanded RAM.

KC Jan 28 2006 05:15 PM

Rambo it up to 1024 ya wuss. Hell, computers are cheap now. Buy a new one with double that. (I like spending other people's money)

cooby Jan 28 2006 05:31 PM

C'mon up, you and I can have a Throw-Your-PC-In-the-River party

Nymr83 Jan 28 2006 07:33 PM

i prefer a "sell your computer to some shmuck on ebay for a few hundred dollars" party myself.

Iubitul Jan 28 2006 08:07 PM

I prefer a "Build my own so I have exactly what I want" party.

Nymr83 Jan 28 2006 09:20 PM

you still gotta get rid of your old one... and i wouldnt reccomend building one to someone who doesnt know what they are doing, they are likely to purchase incompatible parts if nothing else

Willets Point Jan 28 2006 09:20 PM

Get an iMac, I love mine.

Nymr83 Jan 28 2006 09:59 PM

if you dont mind everything being incompatable with your computer, sure get a mac.

MFS62 Jan 29 2006 11:57 AM

Yesterday my DSL modem went feet up. Had to go out and buy a new one and install it. Just finished a few minutes ago. You might want to try to clean out your internet temp files. Later

Iubitul Jan 29 2006 12:07 PM

Willets Point wrote: Get an iMac, I love mine. So, how's the kool-aid?

Rockin' Doc Jan 29 2006 03:18 PM

MFS62 - "You might want to try to clean out your internet temp files." Been there, tried that. Hasn't helped thus far. I ordered a pair of 512 mb of RAM to add to the 256 I currently have. Hopefully, that will take care of the problem. I appreciate all of the suggestions and input that ya'll have offered. Now does anyone have any suggestions for my personal problems with insufficient memory?

ScarletKnight41 Jan 29 2006 03:30 PM

Coffee. I can't remember a freakin' thing until I've had my latte in the morning ;)

MFS62 Jan 29 2006 03:36 PM

Rockin' Doc wrote: I appreciate all of the suggestions and input that ya'll have offered. Now does anyone have any suggestions for my personal problems with insufficient memory? You're asking someone my age about memory? Uh, what was the question again? Later

Iubitul Jan 29 2006 04:53 PM

Rockin' Doc wrote: Been there, tried that. Hasn't helped thus far. I ordered a pair of 512 mb of RAM to add to the 256 I currently have. Hopefully, that will take care of the problem. I appreciate all of the suggestions and input that ya'll have offered. Now does anyone have any suggestions for my personal problems with insufficient memory? Doc - what computer do you have? Depending on the number of slots your motherboard has, you might be replacing the 256, and not adding to it.

Rockin' Doc Jan 30 2006 12:37 PM

lubitul, I have a Dell Dimension 3000 that the wife and I purchased last November. Here are the basic specs: Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor (2.80GHz, 533MHz FSB, 1MB L2 cache) Operating System: Windows® XP Home Edition Memory: 256 MB (single channel) shared1 DDR SDRAM at 400MHz - 2 DIMM slots If I were to add a pair of 5112 MB RAM, would I simply be replacing my current 256 MB of RAM or would I be adding to it?

Nymr83 Jan 30 2006 01:17 PM

replacing, thats what the "2 dimm slots" means. if you plan on playing games and stuff go for it but if not i'd just add a 256 to the 256 you already have, no reason to have 1024 for surfing the internet and writing papers...

holychicken Jan 31 2006 11:12 AM rockin

Also, you might just want to try increasing your virtual memory size. . . Increasing actual memory would solve this issue, but you could also just try going to: Control Panel > System > Advanced (tab) > Settings (under Performance) > Advanced (tab) > Change (under virtual memory) and just increase that. I would suggest doubling what they suggest. :)