Heap space/out of memory error--non-techie needs help

[Guest]

Hi Folks,

Gist: FROZEN PROGRAMS IF I OPEN TOO MANY SCREENS.

I have a brand-new hp pavilion desktop with Intel core duo processors and 2
gb ram. I am running java-based stock charts, along with 2 web-pages. If I
run the charts from IE7, I can only open 4 charts before they freeze up and I
have to shut the program. If I run the charts from a desktop platform, I can
run about 10 before I get an "out of memory error/ heap space" error. From
the desktop, I can run about 8 charts and only get threats of impending
error.

My laptop, however, an hp with a measely Inspiron processor and 1 gb ram,
running XP, can run 8 or more charts, several web pages, and two trading
platforms without breathing hard!! It's never given an error message of this
sort.

Can someone please give me a clue as to what's making my fancy desktop so
useless? Is there something I, A NON-TECHIE PERSON, can do to increase the
"heap space" to make this freezing up problem go away? I seriously do not
understand the techno-speak on the heap space related articles from
Microsoft, so any advice in plain English with clear steps would be HUGELY
appreciated.

If I can't solve this, I'm going to return this desktop and try buying one
that runs XP.

Thanks very much,
CC

 

[James Matthews]

get more ram! XP is diffrent!

 

[Malke]

Hi Folks,

Gist: FROZEN PROGRAMS IF I OPEN TOO MANY SCREENS.

I have a brand-new hp pavilion desktop with Intel core duo processors and 2
gb ram. I am running java-based stock charts, along with 2 web-pages. If I
run the charts from IE7, I can only open 4 charts before they freeze up and I
have to shut the program. If I run the charts from a desktop platform, I can
run about 10 before I get an "out of memory error/ heap space" error. From
the desktop, I can run about 8 charts and only get threats of impending
error.

My laptop, however, an hp with a measely Inspiron processor and 1 gb ram,
running XP, can run 8 or more charts, several web pages, and two trading
platforms without breathing hard!! It's never given an error message of this
sort.

Can someone please give me a clue as to what's making my fancy desktop so
useless? Is there something I, A NON-TECHIE PERSON, can do to increase the
"heap space" to make this freezing up problem go away? I seriously do not
understand the techno-speak on the heap space related articles from
Microsoft, so any advice in plain English with clear steps would be HUGELY
appreciated.

If I can't solve this, I'm going to return this desktop and try buying one
that runs XP.

Some things to check out:

See what is running at startup by using the System Configuration
Utility. Start Orb>Search box, type "msconfig" without the quotes. Many
OEM machines (Dell, HP, Sony, etc.) come with a lot of trial and OEM
programs preinstalled and it is a good idea to uninstall or stop them
from running. Another factor can be if a Norton or McAfee security
product came preinstalled. If it did, uninstall it and replace with a
better antivirus such as NOD32, Kaspersky, or even Avast if you want a
free one. The Vista Firewall is adequate for most people.

Next, check on HP's website to make sure you have the latest versions of
all drivers.

Since you are having an issue with a specific program, I would also
check with that program's tech support to make sure their software is
compatible with Vista. It may not be and if that's the case, that's
probably causing the issue. Also make sure you have the latest version
of Java installed. If you don't have the latest one, uninstall the old
one before you install the new one.

http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp

If doing the above doesn't help, then your brand-new computer should not
be doing this out of the box. Return it because it could very well be a
hardware issue.


Malke

 

[Guest]

Hi Malke,

Thanks a lot for your reply, I really appreciate your assistance. I'm going
to finish my work day and take my computer through the steps you suggested.
I'll post with the results / any questions that may arise.

Thanks again, I really appreciate your help.
-CC

 

[Malke]

Hi Malke,

Thanks a lot for your reply, I really appreciate your assistance. I'm going
to finish my work day and take my computer through the steps you suggested.
I'll post with the results / any questions that may arise.

Thanks again, I really appreciate your help.

You're most welcome. Do post back with what you find out and if you need
more help, we're here.

Cheers,


Malke

 

[Guest]

Hey Malke,

I've gove through your list of potential sources for the freezing problem,
and I have determined that it's not any of those items. The problem persists.
So, assuming it's a hardware problem as you guessed, I'm going to return
this HP--either for another one (hopefully without the flaw, knock wood) or
for a Dell.

Do you have any opinions about (1) HP versus Dell, and (2) Vista versus XP?

Thanks for your assistance & any thoughts you may have on this!

CC

 

[Guest]

Hi Malke,

I just ordered a Dell with XP. Hopefully I will not face this freeze-up
issue on that PC. Thanks again for your help, and best wishes to you.

CC

 

[Malke]

Hi Malke,

I just ordered a Dell with XP. Hopefully I will not face this freeze-up
issue on that PC. Thanks again for your help, and best wishes to you.

Good. Why mess about with a new machine that doesn't work? I think you
made an excellent choice. Enjoy.


Malke