My Computer is Running Slow
Virtual Memory
by Wolfdave
Virtual memory is a chunk of disk space your computer uses to supplement system RAM when using Office Applications or other high usage programs.
This can be another reason for your computer to run slow.
If you see a message saying ‘Your system is low on virtual memory’ this could mean you need to add more RAM to your computer. Or perhaps your hard drive is low on space, or you may need to change the Virtual memory settings.
First time you see it simply press ok, if Windows can fix it itself, it will now do so. However, if this message continues to pop up then you need to do something about it.
Check your disk for free space. Click start, then My Computer. Right click once on your main drive, usually ‘C’ then click on ‘Properties’. If you have less than 10% free, you need to free up some disk space. Delete any unused programs; consider moving your digital photo’s and music files to an external storage – CD or External Hard drive etc...
Before making any changes to your settings, always create a Restore point using System Restore. Then if the changes make things worse, you can undo them using System Restore.
To check your Virtual memory settings, click on Start then Control Panel. Then open ‘System’. Next, click the Advanced tab; look for ‘Performance’ and click ‘settings’.
This will bring up Performance Settings dialog box. Make sure here that the ‘Let Windows Choose What’s Best’ button is selected. Then click the Advanced Tab at the top. Look for ‘Virtual memory’ and click Change. See under ‘Paging File Size’ if the System Managed Size button has the green dot in it. Then this probably means Windows is doing all it can to manage what Virtual memory it has and you should consider adding more RAM.
If the Custom Size button has the green dot in it, then you can try changing the numbers in the Initial Size & Maximum Size boxes. Make a note of the values before making changes. Look a little further down from these and you will see the Recommended size MB. Enter this number in both Initial & Maximum boxes, then press, Set then ok. You may be asked to restart your Computer.
Need a little help? Check out this excellent PC ebook, Here