I have 4GB of RAM but Vista SP1 says I need more!

[Qu0ll]

I have a Vista SP1 laptop with 4GB of RAM but when I haven't been using it
for a while and it "wakes up" it goes into a fit and complains that virtual
memory is running low and to close all programs (including Desktop Window
Manager). This is with over 12GB virtual memory and utilisation of RAM
running at about only 50% according to the gadget. At the time, I only have
IE and Outlook actually running.

What gives? It brings up a suggestion that I should install more RAM which
is amusing to say the least. I am not sure what exact state the machine is
in at the time but the power options only dictate that the display be turned
off after 20 mins and to put the machine to sleep "never" (as it is plugged
in).

Why is this happening and what can I do about it?

--
And loving it,

-Q
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[Malke]

I have a Vista SP1 laptop with 4GB of RAM but when I haven't been using it
for a while and it "wakes up" it goes into a fit and complains that
virtual memory is running low and to close all programs (including Desktop
Window
Manager). This is with over 12GB virtual memory and utilisation of RAM
running at about only 50% according to the gadget. At the time, I only
have IE and Outlook actually running.

What gives? It brings up a suggestion that I should install more RAM
which
is amusing to say the least. I am not sure what exact state the machine
is in at the time but the power options only dictate that the display be
turned off after 20 mins and to put the machine to sleep "never" (as it is
plugged in).

Why is this happening and what can I do about it?

Usually this happens when too many programs/processes are running in the
background and has nothing to do with the physical amount of memory
installed. The problems may be caused by viruses, malware, bad drivers,
legitimate but problematic software, etc. There have also been quite a few
problems with Vista and power modes (sleep, hibernation).

Even though your gadget shows that everything is fine, obviously everything
is not fine or you wouldn't be getting errors.

Since you have a laptop and the problem occurs after inactivity, the first
thing I would do is go to the laptop mftr.'s website and download any
updated drivers and laptop-specific software. Your problem may be a known
issue on this laptop model so it would be wise to check with the mftr.
first. Also see if there are any BIOS updates that address sleep issues.

After you've done that (and tested, obviously), if the problem hasn't been
solved you can look at what programs you have running in the background
that may have difficulties when put into a sleep mode. This is done by a
process of elimination - doing a clean boot and adding your usual items
back one at a time.

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista -
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;929135

Malke

 

[Qu0ll]

Leaving a laptop always on is not a good idea because it can cause
overheating which might be why you're getting the message.

It has been on for a few days but it doesn't feel at all hot to touch so I
don't think that is the problem.

I suggest the following settings:

Go to Advance Power Settings.
Set hard drive to turn off a minute or 2 before sleep.
Set Hybrid and Hibernate modes to "Never"
Under USB settings select "Disable"
Under Multimedia select "Allow ....."

OK, I have followed this as closely as is possible (i.a. there are no
"Never" options for Hybrid and Hibernate) and it appears to have solved the
problem in that the machine now wakes up immediately without errors. But I
can't say that I understand why this worked. Could you explain it? Is it
because the HDD gets turned off before sleeping?

I haven't tested this with the machine unplugged yet.

Anyway, thanks very much for the assistance.

--
And loving it,

-Q
_________________________________________________
(e-mail address removed)
(Replace the "SixFour" with numbers to email me)