"Virtual Memory Too Small" in XP

[Glenn]

I've recently been using a photo editing software
package. When manipulating an image I get an error
message, "Windows Virtual Memory Size Too Low". I've
reset the Virtual Memory size in Performance Options to
Min: 965 and Max. 1000 but still see the same error.

When I run Task Manager during the time I'm use the
application I notice that CPU usage is usually around 4%
and PF Usage is at around 740Meg. If I stop manipulating
a photo image the PF Usage never seems to drop. If I
continue to manipulate a photo (i.e. continue using the
application) the PF usage continues to increase but never
drops regardless of what I do. I suspect that this is
the problem. How do I get my system to release the PF
usage if this indeed the problem?

I'm running a P IV 3.06 MHz processor (Hyper threading)
with 512Megs. Of RAM. There is over 60 Gig. of free
hard disk space so this shouldn't be an issue.

Any ideas on how to resolve this would be greatly
appreciated.

Thanks.
Glenn.

 

[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

 

[R. McCarty]

That PF level meter isn't a real Pagefile usage indicator. XP
combines physical memory and Virtual memory into a pool.
You can use Perfmon.Msc (Microsoft Console) to actually
see the "True" pagefile usage. The PF Meter essentially shows
total mapped memory at the moment.

Windows XP doesn't immediately relinquish memory space
when an application is closed. What's noteworthy about your
post is the seemingly high memory use. You should check your
Startups and Services and see what is consuming such a high
amount of memory. I would boot fresh and run TaskMgr &
check the processes (Tab). Not all of the columns show by
default and I would add (View, Select Columns) for:
Peak Memory Usage
VM Size
Page Faults
Priority
Examine the processes (Total count) and which are using the
Lion's share of memory. You may need to trim back Startups
to keep your idle memory use lower. Normally, a average PC
with Anti-Virus and Firewall should have a Performance level
(TaskMgr Tab) between 175-240.

It's also possible that the image editing program has "Memory
Leaks", but that's unlikely.

 

[Guest]

I should like to add that I've seen this 'low memory' warning on a few XP
systems, most of which have had several (4 or more) created user accounts,
and that's not including the default ones. My son's is a case in point. I
removed three of the accounts he had created (which were rarely used anyway,
but he got carried away with the novelty of it so gave all his family
separate accounts). He now had just one user account (his own) and has had no
more memory issues since. Besides, it can get very confusing with
multi-account systems.

 

[R. McCarty]

That condition could be due to "Fast User Switching". Profiles
are kept in sort of a hibernated state while another user logs on
and does something. It's OK in theory, but I've seen cases of
PCs with 4 or 5 background profiles that have run for days if
not weeks. I generally setup PCs without FUS and just have
people take the few extra seconds to actually log off their accounts.

 

[Guest]

Good suggestion. I have four accouts as well, three of
which I never use. I'll try getting rid of the unused
accounts.

Thanks.
Glenn.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I've recently been using a photo editing software
package. When manipulating an image I get an error
message, "Windows Virtual Memory Size Too Low". I've
reset the Virtual Memory size in Performance Options to
Min: 965 and Max. 1000 but still see the same error.

Which package? It is known that some Adobe ones grab a section of the
page file to manipulate for themselves (deplorable, but there it is).
I am not sure of best settings for them,. but would suggest a rather
lower Initial size (to define the area they will grab - say 250 or 400)
while keeping plentiful headroom above it by keeping Max where you have
it. The important point is to have Max several hundred MB bigger than
init

 

[Alex Nichol]

Good suggestion. I have four accouts as well, three of
which I never use. I'll try getting rid of the unused
accounts.

Having the accounts is OK, but don't use Fast User Switching between
them. As was said, that means that each user's 'workspace' has to be
parked in page file when you switch to a different user. Provided they
have to log off and on this does not arise. Change at Control Panel -
User Accounts - Change way users log on and uncheck 'Use Fast User
Switching'