Dell Latitude Laptop - Low Virtual Memory Problems

Chinadoll · #1 20th Jun 2009, 10:07

Hi, I'm new to this so be patient if I haven't included all the information needed. I have a
System Model: Dell Latitude C510
System type: X86-based PC
Processor: X86 Family 6, Model 11, Stepping 4, Genuine Intel ~1196MHz
CPU 1200MHz 1.08GHz, 256MB RAM;
Physical memory 256.00MB
Available memory 26.62MB
Total Virtual memory: 2.00GB
Available virtual memory: 1.96GB

The problem I have been having is that quite often now then computer tells me that my virtual memory is low and that it is creating more. The computer runs slow, freezes and crashes. I have defragged, disc cleanup-ed and virus scanned - often. I have got to the point where I'm considering reformatting the whole thing but I really have no clue as to go about this. Any suggestions would be most welcome, either for fixing the other problems or for reformatting.

Many thanks,
Chinadoll

**Hybr!d** · #2 20th Jun 2009, 10:12

You're tried increasing the virtual memory then, manually?

Chinadoll · #3 20th Jun 2009, 10:50

Hi Hybr!d, no I haven't, didn't know that I could do that - any advice (or a complete set of instructions even,) would be most appreciated

**Hybr!d** · #4 20th Jun 2009, 12:10

What OS are you running?

Chinadoll · #5 20th Jun 2009, 12:38

It'a Windows XP Professional (Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 Build 2600)

**Hybr!d** · #6 20th Jun 2009, 12:51

How to manually change the size of the virtual memory paging file

You must be logged on as an administrator or as a member of the administrator’s group to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may prevent you from completing this procedure.

To manually change the size of virtual memory, follow these steps:

Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl in the Open box, and then press ENTER.
Click the Advanced tab, and then under Performance click Settings.
Click the Advanced tab, and then under Virtual memory click Change.
Under Drive [Volume Label], click the drive that contains the paging file that you want to change.
Under Paging file size for selected drive, click Custom size, type a new paging file size in megabytes (MB) in the Initial size (MB) or Maximum size (MB) box, and then click Set.
Click OK to close the dialog box and apply changes.

Note After you change the size of the paging file, you may be prompted to restart Windows. If you are prompted to restart, the changes will not take effect until Windows is restarted.

Notes

To have Windows select the best paging file size, click System managed size. The recommended minimum size is the same as 1.5 times the RAM on your computer, and 3 times that figure for the maximum size. For example, if you have 256 MB of RAM, the minimum size is 384 MB, and the maximum size is 1152 MB.
For best performance, do not set the initial size to less than the minimum recommended size under Total paging file size for all drives. The recommended size is the same as 1.5 times the RAM on your computer. It is good practice to leave the paging file at its recommended size as performance can decrease if a paging file is too large. However, you may increase its size if you frequently use programs that use lots of memory, such as graphics programs or games.
We strongly recommend that you do not disable or delete the paging file because this can lessen the computer's performance. However, if you decide to delete a paging file, set both the initial size and the maximum size to zero, or click No paging file.

Source - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308417