FAQ: Why should I have a paging file?

[Thomas Jespersen]

Hello

I have 1GB RAM in my new machine, and I don't think that I will "ever" need
more than that. So why should I have a page file?

In the knowledgebase article 308417 it says. Se:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=308417#31

[CUT]
"... The recommended minimum size is equivalent to 1.5 times the RAM on your
computer, and 3 times that figure for the maximum size..."
[CUT OFF]

And it also says:

[CUT]
For best performance, do not set the initial size to less than the minimum
recommended size under Total paging file size for all drives. The
recommended size is equivalent to 1.5 times the RAM on your computer. It is
good practice to leave the paging file at its recommended size. However, you
may increase its size if you frequently use programs that use much memory.
To delete a paging file, set both the initial size and the maximum size to
zero, or click No paging file. We strongly recommend that you do not disable
or delete the paging file.
[CUT OFF]

I just can't understand why! When would the system perform better using the
Hard drive, when I have enough physical memory? Why not just set it to "no
paging file" (which is an option) or a minimum of 2MB?

Thomas

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

Please have a look at the following article by Alex Nichol:

"Virtual Memory in Windows XP"
http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpvm.php

 

[Thomas Jespersen]

Hello Will

Thanks a lot. This makes senses... conclusion, one should always have a page
file.

Just a quote for others:

Can the Virtual Memory be turned off on a really large machine?
Strictly speaking Virtual Memory is always in operation and cannot be
"turned off." What is meant by such wording is "set the system to use no
page file space at all."

Doing this would waste a lot of the RAM. The reason is that when programs
ask for an allocation of Virtual memory space, they may ask for a great deal
more than they ever actually bring into use - the total may easily run to
hundreds of megabytes. These addresses have to be assigned to somewhere by
the system. If there is a page file available, the system can assign them to
it - if there is not, they have to be assigned to RAM, locking it out from
any actual use.

[QUOTE OFF]



Thomas

Hi

Please have a look at the following article by Alex Nichol:

"Virtual Memory in Windows XP"
http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpvm.php

--

Will Denny
MVP - Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups

Hello

I have 1GB RAM in my new machine, and I don't think that I will "ever"
need more than that. So why should I have a page file?

In the knowledgebase article 308417 it says. Se:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=308417#31

[CUT]
"... The recommended minimum size is equivalent to 1.5 times the RAM on
your computer, and 3 times that figure for the maximum size..."
[CUT OFF]

And it also says:

[CUT]
For best performance, do not set the initial size to less than the
minimum recommended size under Total paging file size for all drives. The
recommended size is equivalent to 1.5 times the RAM on your computer. It
is good practice to leave the paging file at its recommended size.
However, you may increase its size if you frequently use programs that
use much memory.
To delete a paging file, set both the initial size and the maximum size
to zero, or click No paging file. We strongly recommend that you do not
disable or delete the paging file.
[CUT OFF]

I just can't understand why! When would the system perform better using
the Hard drive, when I have enough physical memory? Why not just set it
to "no paging file" (which is an option) or a minimum of 2MB?

Thomas