My computer keeps saying my virtual memory is low. What does this mean and how can I fix it?

Answer 1

in a computer,memory literally means your RAM chips.what happens is,the moment windows boot up,some data is loaded to the RAM,for programs to start and run faster.because it's R_andom A_ccess M_emory,it's a lot faster than your hard disk in accessing and writing data because it doesn't have to follow a sequence to read or access that data,as opposed to the restrictions of the read-write armature heads of hard disks,however fast.hence the random.so files and data requested by applications and programs are delivered to them much faster.it's a "volatile" type of storage medium,meaning data will stay there as long as the pc is on and running.(opposite is "non-volatile" like your hard disk)the moment you turn your pc off,all data is cleaned.ready for the next session.it's faster than your hard disk but a lot smaller in capacity.there is only so much data (memory addresses) that it can handle.so the guys who developed all these found a solution.to create a "swap file" on your hard disk.where virtual or imaginary memory addresses which are then divided into"pages"can be written to until the applications or program needs them.they are then converted from virtual to real memory addresses.it is the "pagefile.sys" file in your windows directory.the process of copying these data from the disk to ram is called "swapping"or "paging".if a program references a memory location within a page that is not available, then your pc will generate a "page fault".am i clear so far?ok...the main purpose of this system is to "enlarge" the address space of an application,meaning the amount of memory allocated for it.virtual memory is system mainly used by the windows operating system.so basically,in very simple terms,it is a part of your hard drive which acts as temporary ram when applications and programs need more memory."real memory" is your ram while "virtual memory" is the space in your hard drive.

so,all of the above answers by these guys are correct.

you can:
in order of effectiveness as solutions-

note - do a system restore point first before doing anything,in case you make a mistake in the procedure,just a safety precaution.or better yet if you haven't backed-up your important files,now is a good time.
you know,just in case.

#1 - adjust the virtual memory size allocation in windows by:
going to start - control panel - performance and maintenance - system,then click on the advanced tab,then,performance,then click on settings,then the advanced tab,then virtual memory,click on change.set the maximum allowable.but remember the maximum allowed by windows depends on the actual or real memory you have.

#2 - terminate unnecessary running programs(check your start up items in your start menu,remove their shortcuts if you don't really need them running in the background)you may have to check for spywares and such running in the background.

#3 - or you can get larger capacity RAM chips.increasing your
"real" memory will consequently eliminate the need for a large "virtual" memory.

#4 - or get a new higher capacity disk.it will increase your page file size or "virtual" memory but your programs will run a bit slower and sluggish because of the physical limitations of the read-write head arm of your hard disk.remember,your HD does not have the speed of your ram chips because of mechanics and the laws of physics.ram chips are solid-state electronic components with no moving parts,unlike you hard drive.doesn't matter if it spins@10,000 rpm like the high end computers used for video capture and editing.there is really no comparison in the access and latency rates between a hard drive and a ram chip.

and please remember,whatever you do,do not move or delete your pagefile.sys entry in windows.

hope that helped.cheers and good luck!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

It means a lot of RAM is being taken up. Either buy more RAM or reduce the amount of programs running. You can either 1. Every time you start up your computer press alt ctrl delete go to processes and end the processes that take up the most memory usage but make sure they they don't say system. or 2. go to run> type msconfig go to the tab to the very right and unselect certain programs.

Answer 4

It happens when you have little space left on the c drive. Here are a few things you can do on your computer
http://mypchelp.blogspot.com/2006/10/pc-running-slow.html
also try running awc personal free edition software
http://bestofrest.blogspot.com/2007/02/advanced-windowscare-personal.html

Answer 5

i had the same problem... i dunno what i did 2 fix it but try this: go to start, control panel, preformance and maintenance, system, click the advanced tab, under preformance click settings, click the advance tab, under virtual memory click change, i put mine on a custom size of initial size - 480 and maximum size of 780.... then click set, then click ok, it may ask you to resart your computer, click yes or ok to resart... if i doesn't ask then just click ok on the preformance options box, and ok on the system properties box. then resart your computer and it should be good now!

Answer 6

Upgrade your memory RAM. I suggest 1GB

Answer 7

Hi there, just wanted to mention, I liked this discussion. very valuable answers

Answer 8

good question, mine is saying the same thing . I just reloded all my spy wear, and norten anti vires, im new to computers so i will wait for all the answers thanks for bringing it up ...

Answer 9

You need more RAM 1GB=$100.00

Answer 10

you need to change your hardisk to one that has a bigger capacity.