I just had a "low memory" message form windows Xp and tried to defrag the
system and it told me I had 0% free space. I checked the report and found
that gigabytes of memory had been corrupted into many XP user files and I can
not get them back. ANy ideas??
You most likely need a RAM memory upgrade.
Helpful Links:
How to Add Memory FAQ
for Personal Computers
http://www.cyberwalker.net/faqs/how-tos/ram-upgrade-faqs.html
Microsoft - Add more memory to your computer
If your computer seems slow, now's the time for additional RAM
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/addmemory.mspx
Ultimate Memory Guide
http://www.kingston.com/tools/umg/default.asp
Kingston has written the definitive document related to memory and the
technology behind it. Everything you ever wanted to know about memory
can be found here.
What is Computer Memory? RAM vs Hard Drive
http://www.weeno.com/art/0699/87.html
You are probably running a machine with 256M RAM. This is processor
memory like a cache for start up programs and runs out of room after
installing a lot of stuff. It becomes critical to have enough RAM
memory to operate security software like antivirus for example. The
general upgrade is sometimes called the 512M RAM Upgrade which is
simply adding about a $60 256M RAM memory stick into your PC thus
making your Operating System a 512M RAM. For Windows XP years, most
PCs shipped with the standard 256M RAM. The maximum amount they can be
upgrade to is 512M RAM generally. Newer models ship with Vista OS and
a whopping 1G RAM or more.
Check your PC RAM:
Click Start > Contol Panel > System and on the general tab it will
display how much RAM is installed - probably 256M RAM. You must look
up your exact model online to find out the maximum amount of RAM you
can install. It is probably 512M RAM. So the memory sticks are about 5
to 6 inches long and you can get smaller amounts like 128 M RAM for
about 40 bucks. It is recommended to obviously go for the maximum
amount you can install especially if you use broadband and download a
lot of media files andf have lost of start up programs - and you are
only talking 10 dollars in differnces of smaller sticks. Consult your
wner's Manual and how to open your computer and where to install a RAM
upgrade. Very simple - they just snap in.
To boost your Virtual memory to maximum - which is what Windows does
when you run out of RAM - borrows memory - Go Here:
Start > Control Panel > System > Advanced > Settings > Advanced >
Virtual Memory .... Don't touch D-Disk ... just maximize C-Disk where
all software and Windows is located and running from. This will not
work long - and you may be there already whereby software may begin to
be corrupting. This case is an emergency and you should no longer use
your computer until you upgrade immedaitely. In other words stuff like
your antivirus and or antispyware software will no longer be able to
download defintions and the misfiring of the computer without
sufficient RAM will in turn corrupt files ion the program. If this is
going on you will have to replace or buy all new software. Some other
programs you try and use - the same thing will happen - corruption or
files making the software useless to use again. I know from the hard
way. This occurred with me and I lost my Norton Antivirus program just
as I was learning of and installing the RAM Upgrade well oveer year
ago.
Too much for you.... just call a Computer Repair Shop for prices of a
RAM Upgrade. It will be the price of the memory stick plus labor. If
you own a Compaq you can download your Owner's Manual by model at
Radio Shack free in adobe reader form.
