G
Guest
Does XP support more than 512k RAM?
Install the app
How to install the app on iOS
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
C
Carey Frisch [MVP]
Windows XP supports up to 4GB of RAM. Your motherboard
is the limiting factor as to how much RAM it is designed to support.
--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups
Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.mspx
is the limiting factor as to how much RAM it is designed to support.
--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups
Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.mspx
L
LVTravel
Yes, up to 4 GB of RAM
Over 3 GB there is a software "switch" which needs to be configured.
Over 3 GB there is a software "switch" which needs to be configured.
G
Guest
I am a total idiot when it comes to computers. I have 512mb of RAM but I got
a message today that my virtual memory is too low. So should I buy more RAM
and if so how do I find out how much I should add??? Thanks so much for any
help!!
a message today that my virtual memory is too low. So should I buy more RAM
and if so how do I find out how much I should add??? Thanks so much for any
help!!
R
Real Name:
Hi,
I'm no "Windows"expert, but
virtual memory is hard drive space,
used as RAM.
You need to check the amount of
space left, on your hard drive.
This kind of error is pretty
common, when the HDD, is getting too
full, to work with the default
settings.
You may need to back up some of
your non-necessary files, to a CDR,
and delete the ones on the HDD.
Or, better-yet - get another
HDD installed, to keep the old one
company.
Good-luck,
Ken .
On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 21:11:01 -0700,
Christy
I'm no "Windows"expert, but
virtual memory is hard drive space,
used as RAM.
You need to check the amount of
space left, on your hard drive.
This kind of error is pretty
common, when the HDD, is getting too
full, to work with the default
settings.
You may need to back up some of
your non-necessary files, to a CDR,
and delete the ones on the HDD.
Or, better-yet - get another
HDD installed, to keep the old one
company.
Good-luck,
Ken .
On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 21:11:01 -0700,
Christy
G
Glen
You are getting the warning because your computer has a fixed upper limit
for virtual memory. Firstly open control panel | system | advanced |
performance | settings and click advanced tab. At the bottom you will see
virtual memory. Click change and you will probably see your computer is
setup as custom size. Click your main drive C: then click 'system managed'
and click 'set'. OK your way out, ignore the warning about 0 mb size page
file and reboot.
That will allow your virtual memory to grow and shrink as needed.
As you are getting a warning you would probably find your computer
performance will increase if you fit more ram. Virtual memory is part of
your hard drive mapped out as RAM and it will always be slower than real
RAM. That assumes your computer can take more RAM. Older computers can only
take 512mb RAM. If you can add more take it up to 1GB and you will notice an
improvement.
I think pentium 3 were limited to 512mb and pentium 4 started at 2GB and up
max ram. I dont know about AMDs and yes I know its the chipset that dictates
ram amount but cpu goes hand in hand with chipset and most people will know
what cpu they have but wont know the chipset.
for virtual memory. Firstly open control panel | system | advanced |
performance | settings and click advanced tab. At the bottom you will see
virtual memory. Click change and you will probably see your computer is
setup as custom size. Click your main drive C: then click 'system managed'
and click 'set'. OK your way out, ignore the warning about 0 mb size page
file and reboot.
That will allow your virtual memory to grow and shrink as needed.
As you are getting a warning you would probably find your computer
performance will increase if you fit more ram. Virtual memory is part of
your hard drive mapped out as RAM and it will always be slower than real
RAM. That assumes your computer can take more RAM. Older computers can only
take 512mb RAM. If you can add more take it up to 1GB and you will notice an
improvement.
I think pentium 3 were limited to 512mb and pentium 4 started at 2GB and up
max ram. I dont know about AMDs and yes I know its the chipset that dictates
ram amount but cpu goes hand in hand with chipset and most people will know
what cpu they have but wont know the chipset.
J
Jim
No you don't necessarily need more RAM; this message means that yourChristy said:I am a total idiot when it comes to computers. I have 512mb of RAM but I
got
a message today that my virtual memory is too low. So should I buy more
RAM
and if so how do I find out how much I should add??? Thanks so much for
any
help!!
pagefile is too small. Let the system manage the pagefile size.
Jim
G
Guest
I have a ton of hard drive left.
Real Name: said:Hi,
I'm no "Windows"expert, but
virtual memory is hard drive space,
used as RAM.
You need to check the amount of
space left, on your hard drive.
This kind of error is pretty
common, when the HDD, is getting too
full, to work with the default
settings.
You may need to back up some of
your non-necessary files, to a CDR,
and delete the ones on the HDD.
Or, better-yet - get another
HDD installed, to keep the old one
company.
Good-luck,
Ken .
On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 21:11:01 -0700,
Christy
G
Guest
I did go in and increase it but I wasn't sure how much to increase it by. I
have noticed some improvement in speed. The rest of your answer was really
technical and I sorta glazed over there at the end. lol. Thanks for your
response.
have noticed some improvement in speed. The rest of your answer was really
technical and I sorta glazed over there at the end. lol. Thanks for your
response.
D
Dannie
Just curious and do you use Spy Sweeper? I d/l the latest version 5.0 the
other day and at some point got that message. Also major conflick with
Adaware.
Dannie
other day and at some point got that message. Also major conflick with
Adaware.
Dannie
G
Guest
I did what you said and let the system manage it. Now it is a couple months
later and I am getting the messages again. My computer is super slow. I have
pretty much decided to buy more RAM. Is there a brand that you recommend?
later and I am getting the messages again. My computer is super slow. I have
pretty much decided to buy more RAM. Is there a brand that you recommend?
V
Val
Before buying more RAM, be sure you really need it.
What sort of programs are you using? If it's just general purpose thing,
like browsing web, email, office programs, you probably don't need more RAM.
Abover 512 is recommended only if you do memory intensive applications -
audio/video editing, large CAD, large image editing, higher end gaming.
Bring up task manager (ctrl-sht-esc), Performance tab - how much free
physical memory is inidicated when you have Windows up, without any
additional programs (besides the ever present antivirus/spam/spyware and
similar utilities) running?
Val
What sort of programs are you using? If it's just general purpose thing,
like browsing web, email, office programs, you probably don't need more RAM.
Abover 512 is recommended only if you do memory intensive applications -
audio/video editing, large CAD, large image editing, higher end gaming.
Bring up task manager (ctrl-sht-esc), Performance tab - how much free
physical memory is inidicated when you have Windows up, without any
additional programs (besides the ever present antivirus/spam/spyware and
similar utilities) running?
Val
R
Ron Martell
Adding more memory can noticeably improve performance only if theChristy said:I did what you said and let the system manage it. Now it is a couple months
later and I am getting the messages again. My computer is super slow. I have
pretty much decided to buy more RAM. Is there a brand that you recommend?
added memory results in reduced usage of the virtual memory paging
file. Therefore if the paging file is not currently being used to any
significant extent then adding more memory will not provide a
significant improvement.
Unfortunately there is no ready way of determing actual paging file
usage provided with Windows XP - it does not have an equivalent to the
'Memory Manager - Swap File In Use" reporting provided by the System
Monitor utility in Windows 95/98/Me.
There is a free utility that you can download and run which will
provide this information for you. It was written by MVP Bill James and
you can get if from
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_pagefilemon.htm or from
http://billsway.com/notes_public/WinXP_Tweaks/
If that utility shows actual page file usage of 50 mb or more on a
regular basis then that is indicative of fairly significant paging
file activity. Adding more RAM will reduce or even eliminate entirely
this activity thereby improving performance.
This apples regardless of how much or how little RAM is currently
installed in the computer, at least up to the 4 gb RAM maximum for
Windows XP.
Good luck
Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair
"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."
G
Guest
Thank you so much for your help!
Ron Martell said:Adding more memory can noticeably improve performance only if the
added memory results in reduced usage of the virtual memory paging
file. Therefore if the paging file is not currently being used to any
significant extent then adding more memory will not provide a
significant improvement.
Unfortunately there is no ready way of determing actual paging file
usage provided with Windows XP - it does not have an equivalent to the
'Memory Manager - Swap File In Use" reporting provided by the System
Monitor utility in Windows 95/98/Me.
There is a free utility that you can download and run which will
provide this information for you. It was written by MVP Bill James and
you can get if from
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_pagefilemon.htm or from
http://billsway.com/notes_public/WinXP_Tweaks/
If that utility shows actual page file usage of 50 mb or more on a
regular basis then that is indicative of fairly significant paging
file activity. Adding more RAM will reduce or even eliminate entirely
this activity thereby improving performance.
This apples regardless of how much or how little RAM is currently
installed in the computer, at least up to the 4 gb RAM maximum for
Windows XP.
Good luck
Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair
"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."
D
Daave
[Combination of top AND bottom posting corrected to make more readable]
More than likely, you shouldn't buy any more RAM (unless you use
memory-intensive applications or do lots of multitasking). Generally,
512 MB RAM is fine for XP.
Any of the following can slow a computer down:
Failure to clear temp and Temporary Internet files.
Too many applications/processes running in the background.
Oddly enough, certain anti-virus programs!
Malware (i.e., viruses, trojans, spyware, etc.)
Visit http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/slowcom.htm and print out the
instructions. Then follow them, paying close attention to steps 1, 5, 7,
9, and 13.
Or visit http://www.securitytango.com/ and click on the Let's Dance link
(basically, the same directions as the other link).
I did what you said and let the system manage it. Now it is a couple
months later and I am getting the messages again. My computer is super
slow. I have pretty much decided to buy more RAM. Is there a brand that
you recommend?
More than likely, you shouldn't buy any more RAM (unless you use
memory-intensive applications or do lots of multitasking). Generally,
512 MB RAM is fine for XP.
Any of the following can slow a computer down:
Failure to clear temp and Temporary Internet files.
Too many applications/processes running in the background.
Oddly enough, certain anti-virus programs!
Malware (i.e., viruses, trojans, spyware, etc.)
Visit http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/slowcom.htm and print out the
instructions. Then follow them, paying close attention to steps 1, 5, 7,
9, and 13.
Or visit http://www.securitytango.com/ and click on the Let's Dance link
(basically, the same directions as the other link).
F
frodo
yeah, what Daave said.
512MB should be just fine, that warning is indicative of a too-small Page
File, not too-little RAM. Check the page file settings and try "System
Managed". If it still happens w/ that setting then you're running some
program that's either a real hog or it has a bug - try to use task manager
to find out who the culprit is.
The other advice applies too. clear IE caches, reduce max allowed size of
temp internet files, etc. Do an AdAware and SpyBot scan (both free; I do
not reccommend the automatic/real-time features of these scanners tho
(tea-timer etc), but that's just me - i prefer to decide when things
happen on my machine). And a virus scan is always advisable.
Bottom line: you've MOST-LIKELY got some ill-behaved software running
rather than a lack of RAM.
512MB should be just fine, that warning is indicative of a too-small Page
File, not too-little RAM. Check the page file settings and try "System
Managed". If it still happens w/ that setting then you're running some
program that's either a real hog or it has a bug - try to use task manager
to find out who the culprit is.
The other advice applies too. clear IE caches, reduce max allowed size of
temp internet files, etc. Do an AdAware and SpyBot scan (both free; I do
not reccommend the automatic/real-time features of these scanners tho
(tea-timer etc), but that's just me - i prefer to decide when things
happen on my machine). And a virus scan is always advisable.
Bottom line: you've MOST-LIKELY got some ill-behaved software running
rather than a lack of RAM.
G
Guest
I have pretty much done everything recommended and am still getting the
message. I removed Norton last night and it hasn't shown any improvement
whatsoever. I defragmented, compressed the C drive. I have cleared the temp.
internet files etc. The only big programs I have are Jasc (PSP), but I don't
see why this would be a problem. I am really irritated. lol
message. I removed Norton last night and it hasn't shown any improvement
whatsoever. I defragmented, compressed the C drive. I have cleared the temp.
internet files etc. The only big programs I have are Jasc (PSP), but I don't
see why this would be a problem. I am really irritated. lol
G
Guest
Also, I'm not sure exactly what I should be looking for in the Task Manager
B
bostonblakie
Have you tried a memory manager such as the free "Free Ram xp Pro"? A good
way to see what's using up your memory. Google it for download info. I've
had it for months. It is useful & no problems so far.
way to see what's using up your memory. Google it for download info. I've
had it for months. It is useful & no problems so far.
K
Ken Blake, MVP
bostonblakie said:Have you tried a memory manager such as the free "Free Ram xp Pro"? A
good way to see what's using up your memory. Google it for download
info. I've had it for months. It is useful & no problems so far.
All memory managers like this are worse than useless. Wanting to minimize
the amount of memory Windows uses is a counterproductive desire. Windows is
designed to use all, or nearly all, of your memory, all the time, and that's
good not bad. Free memory is wasted memory. You paid for it all and
shouldn't want to see any of it wasted.
Windows works hard to find a use for all the memory you have all the time.
For example if your apps don't need some of it, it will use that part for
caching, then give it back when your apps later need it. In this way Windows
keeps all your memory working for you all the time.
I strongly recommend staying far away from memory managers.
Ask a Question
Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?
You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.