Virtual Memory

[zombie autopilot]

So yeah I'm just sitting here browsing the net when this little notification comes up saying im low on virtual memory. Can someone exlpain to me what this is and what I can do to umm not be so low on virtual memory?

[Rrrrrrr]

windows uses part of your hard drive as substitute RAM, basically. If you're low on it you either need to increase your page file size or free up some hard drive space.

[Peg Dizzler]

I heard that spyware can cause those notifications as well, but who knows.

Yeah you probably just need to configure your page file size.

[zombie autopilot]

Hmm that's odd. I have tons of room left on hard drive..

How would I increase my page file size?

[JohnXDoe]

Unless you have a ridiculously low amount of system RAM you should not be low on virtual memory. And it shouldn't even come into play.

You give no other system info so it's hard to say what is going on. I'm wondering if this was a system notification or some pop up from the internet trying to draw you into something? Very curious.

I have a gig of RAM. I'm currently using 374mb of it. I have 1.9 gigs of virtual memory free and I'll never get around to it kicking in. Again, some system information would help someone help you. My knowledge is very basic. But I'm pretty sure this is very unusual unless you have a real outdated PC, a very small amount of system RAM, or it's just gone to crap.

[zombie autopilot]

I have 512 of ram and 160 gig of hard drive. The only thing open was mozilla.

Oh yeah, my computer is only about 8 months old.

[JohnXDoe]

I have 512 of ram and 160 gig of hard drive. The only thing open was mozilla.
Alright. That should not be a problem. In Task Manager under "Physical Memory" what does it say for Total and Available? Also, under "Commit Charge" what is the Limit?

[zombie autopilot]

458224 total for Physical and 122560 avaliable.

867988 total for Commit Charge.

[Rats!]

458224 total for Physical and 122560 avaliable.

867988 total for Commit Charge.
that's a lot. I'd say you definitely have some malware running in the background.
your commit charge should never be greater than your total memory.

[zombie autopilot]

It is more than my total memory wth.

[JohnXDoe]

Hmm. In your process tree what is using all the memory that you have just 122,000kb available? But even then, you have some RAM left, so again virtual mem should not come into play. Not for a normal running machine. Virtual memory is never used unless you are completely out of RAM. Then as someone mentioned the computer uses the HD to simulate it. I've been close to spent before when I had a lower amount of RAM and I never used any virtual memory.

It's not really anything to worry about if all else is fine, but you will want to keep asking around.
that's a lot. I'd say you definitely have some malware running in the background.
your commit charge should never be greater than your total memory.
Well if it's his Limit like I asked for it's fine. If it's the Total we may have a prob....

[zombie autopilot]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b199/amazinasianboy/untitled.jpg


My computer is never slow and it rarely ever freezes, it's just that on my old computer it said this all the time and it turned into crap and computers aren't exactly cheap.

[DJ Ducksauce]

Using a program like Free RAM XP Pro can also help free up RAM. That might help. It also monitors your freem RAM so you can tell if you're low on it.

http://www.yourwaresolutions.com/software.html

[JohnXDoe]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b199/amazinasianboy/untitled.jpg


My computer is never slow and it rarely ever freezes, it's just that on my old computer it said this all the time and it turned into crap and computers aren't exactly cheap.
Holy crap!!

Rats!, what the hell is going on with that PF usage, WTF?

[zombie autopilot]

I don't know, what should I do.

[JohnXDoe]

I don't know, what should I do.
That is so weird. Check your processes and see what's chomping through all your memory. I see you have 57 running. That is high if you only have a browser open. I have 27 running with my browser open. You may have unneeded programs loading at start up and also some spyware/malware probs. Have you scanned?

[zombie autopilot]

Yeah, everyday. I have norton too.

[JohnXDoe]

Yeah, everyday. I have norton too.
Hmm. Did you check your processes? Your start up programs? This could be a case of gross mismanagement. I'm going out for awhile, but I'll return in a short while. Good luck. I hope I have been of some help. I'll check back in when I return. I'm sure more help is on the way.

[zombie autopilot]

Thanks for all the help.

[JohnXDoe]

I'm back...

I only understand this stuff on a very basic level, same as you. And once it gets too involved I lose my way, but here (http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6142-0.html?forumID=7&threadID=42641&messageID=499859) is a pretty good link that has some good info and instruction concerning your problem:

Also if you haven't already, google "why am I low (or out) of virtual memory"? A lot of stuff comes up. Some might be helpful, and at the least it links you to a lot of discussion and opinions about it. Hope you get it worked out....

[kamiccollo]

Page file and VM are essentially the same. An area on your HD is reserved for storing either too large an amount of data for your ram to handle at once/ rarely needs to be accessed or if your running out of ram and normal processes that would be otherwise be stored on your ram now have to be stored on your HD.

You can set it to auto or custom. And since the 'space' is reserved it is always available and wont show as free space even if your only using half the allotted space.


My flatmates pc only had 128 ram so would use tons of VM and it would take about 5/6 mins to boot and could barely run IE or word without seizing. I eventually convinced her to let me add more ram (v overprotective of her new pc) and it boots in under 1.5 mins, and works like a dream!