what is "virtual memory" in a computer? what will happen if "virtual memory" is very low in computer?

Question

if i am working on a computer and its "virtual memory" is very low,how will it affect the working of a computer? how can i increase "virtual memory" of my computer?

Answer 1

How to set performance options in Windows XP = http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308417

Virtual Memory in Windows XP = http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpvm.php = Pagefile in Windows XP = http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpvm.php

Also see = MS Support Knowledge Base (KB) = http://support.microsoft.com/search/default.aspx?spid=global&query=virtual+memory&catalog=LCID%3D1033&pwt=false&title=false&kt=ALL&mdt=0&comm=1&ast=1&ast=2&ast=3&ast=8&ast=9&mode=a&x=18&y=13

+ http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308417 = How to set performance options in Windows XP
+
Memory = shsc.info/WindowsMemoryManagement = http://shsc.info/WindowsMemoryManagement

I found that it's best to have windows set to manage virtual memory, and defragment at least once a week to keep free space on the hard drive. = ( "system managed size"). To change it: computer/propertes/advanced/performance/advanced/at the bottom change it.

Start/Control Panel/Performance and Maintenance/System/Advanced tab/Performance, Settings button/Advanced tab/Virtual Memory, Change button/bullet
Virtual Memory and Pagefile in Windows XP = http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpvm.php

Also it is possible that you could use more ram. How much ram do you have?

Test your ram with these: = Memtest86+ here: http://www.memtest.org


Go to and put in your system specs at = http://www.crucial.com/support/install.asp = "Memory Advisor™ tool will show you exactly the right upgrade for your computer." + http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner

Answer 2

Regular RAM is a hardware module(s) that is used for everything from running programs, saving keystrokes.

When regular RAM runs out, some hard drive space is allocated to be used temporarilly as "virtual memory".

When you run low on Virtual memory, that means that your regular RAM is running low, as well as the amount of disk space that is allocated for that purpose. While you can INCREASE the amout of virual memory that you use, that won't really help. This really means that you have an unsolved problem. You see, you have too many programs running. If you think that you only have one program running, then you have some SPYWARE.

You should have an anti-spyware solution on your computer. I recommend that you go to http://www.download.com and get AD-AWARE and SpyBot Search & Destory. Install, run, update and scan your computer with both programs.

This will clean up your virtual memory problem and make your computer run faster.

If you want your computer to be even faster, see how much regular memory that you have. Right Click on MY COMPUTER and pick PROPERTIES. If you have less than 512 MB, then you need MORE. Visit http://www.coastmemory.com and look up your system.

Good luck and Happy Computing!

Answer 3

Virtual memory is an addressing scheme implemented in hardware and software that allows non-contiguous memory to be addressed as if it is contiguous. The technique used by all current implementations provides two major capabilities to the system:

Memory can be addressed that does not currently reside in main memory and the hardware and operating system will load the required memory from auxiliary storage automatically, without any knowledge of the program addressing the memory, thus allowing a program to reference more memory than actually exists in the computer.
In multi tasking systems, total memory isolation, otherwise referred to as a discrete address space, can be provided to every task except the lowest level operating system. This greatly increases reliability by isolating program problems within a specific task and allowing unrelated tasks to continue to process.

For increasing vertual memory delete unwanted softwares which are loaded at the time of start up and keep free disk space of drive C to the maximum extent.

Answer 4

Virtual Memory is when your computer treats hard drive space as RAM space. The warning you are seeing means you are using so much RAM that even the space allocated on the hard drive for virtual memory is becoming full. This is usaually caused by viruses or memory hogging programs. I'd run a virus/spyware/malware scan to be sure and if the problem persists I'd look at what programs are running and see if you can keep the ones you don't need from running at start-up.

Answer 5

it is n OS way of using your hard drive space and simulate that as an extension of RAM. If virtual memory is low then your system will slow down and you may be unable to open new applications.
To manage this, if you are using windows then go to my computer. Right click and go to properties. Select advanced. Select performance. Selected advanced tab. Click on change button to change Virtual memory settings.

However it is best to not manage it yourself but let system manage it automatically

Answer 6

virtual memory is a part of hard disk memory used to low the ram use and if it is low then you may face some slow down on computer speed
to increase it for win xp go to my computer right click choose properties go to advance in performance group box choose settings choose advance again down the window you will find change button set initial size 256 and max 512
for windows 98 as same go to my computer then properties advance then manage virtual memory as same.

Answer 7

Vir. mem. is also called swap or page file, a software-managed extension of true memory to your hard drive; unless being explicitly changed setting it should normally be automagically managed.

Clean the hard drive to let it room.