Windows-Virtual Memory Minimum Too Low!

[Guest]

Hi All,
Recently I am receiving the following error from windows:
"Windows-Virtual Memory Minimum Too Low
Your system is low on virtual memory. Windows is increasing the size of your
virtual memory paging file. During this process memory requests for some
applications may be denied"
I have never had this problem before installing widows service pack 2.
Based on widows help instructions I tried to change my settings for virtual
memory settings by going to:
Control Pannel/System/Advanced/Performance/Settings/Advanced/Virtual
Memory/Change
Here are the information that I can read:
At this time my total Paging file size for all drives is: 544MB
The drive is C:\
Space Available is 49154 MB
Custom size is not selected while "System Managed: Size" is selceted

Right at the end:
Toatl paging size for drives:
Minimum allowed= 2MB
Recommended=334MB
Currently allocated =544

Could you please let me know how to customize this Virtual memory so I do
not have to restart my computer so often.
One more information: My current RAM is 256 DDR,
I will appreciate so much your kind help,

Best Regards,

Firouz

 

[Bill James]

Are you using Fast User Switching? That's a common cause of this event, especially if you leave programs running on the other user(s) when switching. 256 MB may not be enough in that situation, or even without F.U.S. if you are running a lot of programs simultaneously and/or running memory intensive programs (graphics editing, CDV decompile, etc.). So, the solutions are to change your usage habits or install more RAM. Since RAM is fairly cheap and you should be able to use your computer the way it suits you, your best bet is to RAM, probably another 256 MB. Personally, I don't even try to run XP without 512 MB, because I know I am going to make heavy demands.

--

Bill James
Microsoft MVP - Shell/User

Windows VBScript Utilities » www.billsway.com/vbspage/
Windows Tweaks & Tips » www.billsway.com/notes_public/

 

[MGGP]

Best solution is to purchase more RAM, then virtual memory
(free space on your hard drive) won't have to be used as
much. Also your computer's performance should improve
somewhat with additional memory (RAM). And RAM is dirt-
cheap.

If you do decide to purchase more RAM it is CRITICAL that
you get EXACTLY the same type of module that is in your
system now. Take it with you to the store if you're not
positive of what it is.

Having said that, I've run my system with 256Mb of RAM for
two years with no problems whatsoever. You may be running
applications that are more demanding than the things I run.

Good Luck !