virtual memory

[beth]

i keep getting the message virtual low memory i have an e machine t3616 447
mb
32 bits windows vista and i dont know how to fix this it keeps saying
excessive paging

 

[gerryf]

That model came with only 512mb of ram originally--Vista runs like a dog on
512mb of ram, consider upgrading

Also, Did someone set a fixed page file (swap file) under Advanced Windows
properties? With that little memory, you are going to be hitting the page
file quite a bit and you should have a much larger page file. If windows is
managing the page file, then it is probably expanding its size at these
times.

Also, how much free hard drive space do you have? When was the last time you
defragged?

 

[donnordy]

You are right about needing more memory, 1GB is needed to run Home Premium or
better. To get in and check your virtual memory (page file) size go to the
control panel > System Maintenance > Performance Information and Tools >
Performance Options and click on the advanced tab. I would either let Windows
manage the page file size or if you want to set it your self make sure you
have 1.5 times the size of the RAM in your computer.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

That model came with only 512mb of ram originally--

Beth, it's even worse than that. You have 512MB of RAM, but you have
no separate video card, and 64MB of system RAM is used for video
purposes. That leaves you only 448MB for Vista.

Vista runs like a dog on
512mb of ram, consider upgrading

Beth, I so strongly agree with what Gerry says that I'll make an even
stronger statement. Don't just consider upgrading, but *do* it. You
will never be happy running Vista with only 448MB of RAM. I strongly
recommend upgrading to 2GB (2048MB).

 

[gregrocker]

As with all of us eMachiners, you definitely need a ram upgrade. Google
"<your computer model> + ram upgrade" and you can find some pretty good
bargains, but I'd stick with the majors backed up by strong reviews from
purchasers (Kingston was my choice - their value ram is flawless and I found
2 gigs for $40 after google checkout bonus on buy.com). Pay close attention
to your Windows Experience Index results and System Diagnostics report which
reveal a lot of fixes for low memory (edit graphics, turn off Aero and
indexing).
I found a great download from System Requirements Lab that is my upgrade
guide now for my eMachines T5234 with Vista Premium. It rates all of your
hardware and drivers for how they will perform on Vista, with cool tabs for
Minimum, Recommended and Optimal requirements. I learned after the ram
upgrade that the weak spot is my graphics card, and which ones to consider.
I also learned more about my computer than any of the Windows diagnostic
tools I have been using daily.
Here's the link:
http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/referrer/nzone_all?registration_option_id=3596

 

[beth]

how do i upgrade to 2 gb (2048mb)

Beth, it's even worse than that. You have 512MB of RAM, but you have
no separate video card, and 64MB of system RAM is used for video
purposes. That leaves you only 448MB for Vista.





Beth, I so strongly agree with what Gerry says that I'll make an even
stronger statement. Don't just consider upgrading, but *do* it. You
will never be happy running Vista with only 448MB of RAM. I strongly
recommend upgrading to 2GB (2048MB).