computer reads "virtual memory is low" any suggestion's that i can do to fix this?

Question

also computer performance is slow does this have anything to do with comp memory being low??

Answer 1

yes. What is going on is that you have a certain amount of memory. Once that is all in use the computer will 'swap out' certain parts of memory not in use right now (say, an inactive program) to the hard disk. Since hard disks are much slower than memory this takes time. Then, when you activate that program again, the computer has to read back from hard disk. This, again, takes time.

If I am right you will see your hard drive light flicker a lot even when you are not doing anything in particular.

While you could increase your virtual memory the best answer would be to upgrade the real memory. Memory is not that expensive and some more would improve your computing experience 100%.

I usually recommend around 1 Gb these days for people running windows XP, especially when they run a lot of concurrent programs (outlook, couple of internet explorer/firefox windows, word, a chat program, all at the same time). Windows 2000 is a tad lighter on memory usage, but again, 1 Gb of RAM won't hurt your wallet. Windows 98 runs fine on waaay less memory but it is obsolete and really should not be used anymore.

Answer 2

Low virtual memory is caused by having too many programs open at once, it can also mean that you have set hard drive space for virtual memory too low.

To fix the problem:
Right Click on MY COMPUTER
choose PROPERTIES
Select the ADVANCED tag
Then click SETTINGS in the PERFORMANCE section at the top
IN the third section on that page click the CHANGE button
then choose CUSTOM SIZE and set the minuimum and maximum size of the virtual memory.
Normally 2 -3 times tha amount of RAM you have installed in your computer is sufficient.
i.e. 512MB installed RAM choose min 1000MB max 1500MB
That should see you right.

Also remember that if you have lots of different applications open at any one time it will use the memory more quickly.
Windows also has a bit of a problem where even after you have closed a program it can still keep that block of memory open for the program, if you need to run a memory intensive application (like a photo editor or something), it can be a good idea to reboot your computer then only open the application you need to use, this should allow it the maximum amount of memory.

Another thing to check is how many programs are running in the background. Have a look in the right hand section of the Start bar - if you have lots of icons showing, that mean there are lots of programs running, each of these uses up memory.
Some things like Quicktime etc are only needed when you want to watch a quicktime video so they don't have to be open all the time. You can safely right click these and exit them, or edit your startup options so that only the programs you really need open automatically when windows starts.


HTH

Answer 3

Run fewer programs, and get more Memory!! I had this problem forever. I play all manner of games from the Sims2 to World of Warcraft. ANd my system was always having to adjust due to low virtual Memory. and this was running a 512 alaone. I got an additional gig, and it blazes. I have not seen the message come up anymore since then.

Answer 4

Yes, it does. Older computers used to have 128 mb of memory. Windows really needs at least 512 mb to function.

What operating system are you using? XP is faster than '98.

Also, rebooting can often help clear this situation up, but only for a short while.

Don't upgrade memory without checking prices on new computers, first. Often it is more expensive to upgrade an older system than it would be to replace it.

Answer 5

Yes, it does have to do with your comptuer memory being low. Right click my computer and select properties to see how much ram you have. If you have a low number like 128 or less, then you need to upgrade. If you have 256 or more, chances are you need to free up hard drive space on your primary drive, or you are running software with a memory leak or too much software.

Answer 6

You need to be running fewer programs. Right-click a blank area on your task bar (the blue bar below, where the start menu is). Select "Task Manager" and select the processes tab. You can "end task" anything that doesn't say "system", but stick to what you know. (AOL, other unnecessary stuff).

Virtual memory has nothing to do with the number of programs you have installed. Don't listen to people who suggest restarting either. You only need to close down unnecessary programs -- not uninstall them.

Answer 7

Just go to start > control panel > system > click on "advanced" tab > click "settings" under "Performace" > click on "advanced" tab > click on "change" under "virtual memory" > then change the amount to a grater amount in the "custom size" area.

Answer 8

That would for sure cause some sluggishness. Go into your Control Panel and crank up the virtual memory... this might help you out...

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

Answer 9

copy this question in the search box at http://searchforsupport.googlepages.com/home. I tried doing that for you and got some great answers. You can also refine your results by clicking on PC publications to get accurate articles.

I find this site very useful for find PC related problems and searching PC technical support companies like Geek Squad

Answer 10

Go to "start"/Control panel/add or remove programs

Then from there look at stuff that u no longer need or something that takes a lot of memory and delete it

DO NOT DELETE THE MAIN THINGS Exp. your soft modem, audio driver package, ect.