Then, something dramatic happens. You get a worrying message that your virtual memory is too low.
It’s not as bad as it seems, however. You can fix the problem of low virtual memory.
Simply put, your computer’s virtual memory is the hard drive space your machine uses when it is running short of random access memory, called RAM. Common programs like Microsoft Office PowerPoint and Microsoft Office Word can be real memory hogs, sometimes using all of your computer’s free RAM.
What can you do about a “virtual memory low” message?
If you get a warning that says your virtual memory minimum is too low or something similar, there are two things you can do to correct the situation.
The simplest solution is to increase the virtual memory size on your hard drive, if space allows. To do that, simply go to your control panel and increase the size in the System section. The exact location varies depending on whether you’re using Windows 7, Windows Vista or another version of the operating system. Choose the CUSTOM SIZE, and set the MAXIMUM the same as the MINIMUM - 3.5x - 4.5x the amount of Physical RAM is a good rule of thumb. If you have sufficient disk space available, just set it to 4096 on both.
A somewhat more complicated solution is to add more RAM to your computer. If you continue to get messages that say things like “your computer is running low on virtual memory” even after you increase the virtual memory size on your hard drive, adding more RAM is your only option. That requires opening the case, but the new RAM simply clips into place.
Here are some general guidelines for how much RAM average systems need:
- Windows 7 requires 1 GB of RAM to work properly.
- Windows Vista requires 512 MB of RAM or more to work well, but some applications, especially gaming software, need twice that much.
- Windows XP can manage with only 256 MB of RAM, but like all systems, it will work better with more.
For a work computer, ask your company’s IT administrator to add more RAM for you. It’s a simple process. For your own computer, buy additional RAM at a computer store and ask them to install it for you. You can buy more RAM online if you prefer. I ususally recommend the following as a good starting point: www.Crucial.com - run the "Scan for Memory" tool and it will tell you what you have and give you options for upgrading.
A low virtual memory message isn’t really as terrible as it sounds. It indicates a problem you can easily solve.
A low virtual memory message means user should be upgrading their RAM. IF they can't that for now, then decrease the number of running programs and processes by going to the Task Manager.
ReplyDeletefix computer
Jack - Thanks for comenting! I would agree that it takes a little investigation to determine the root cause.
ReplyDeleteAll too often, however, I find comptuers set with too little "Virtual Memory" in the Advanced Performance settings. This is expecially true with WinXP systems that may have had Hard Drives replaced and were previously tight on free space.
Opening these out to 4092 Min/Max can make a big difference - without ever opening the case or spending a few bucks on added RAM.