Question about Virtual Memory?

Question

I recieved a message saying Im am low on virtual memory! I was going to ask what that means but I noticed here aothers have already asked that question so I read those responses! I am wondering now though Does this mean I may have a virus! I am asking this because in a couple of the answers I read people were saying it had to do with having a virus! Others though said it was nothing to worry about that it happens sometimes!!??

Answer 1

Virtual memory is using storage on the hard drive to tuck away portions of memory that hold stuff that isn't needed right then. The message comes up in Windows more or less often depending on how many programs you run at one time, how much memory you have and how often you switch between them. When everything is in real memory, switching programs is very fast. When something has to be retrieved from virtual memory (and usually something else is put out) it may take several seconds and you can hear the drive running. One of the things that uses up memory in XP and IE7 is visiting a lot of web pages without completely closing IE7. When you finally do, it can take tens of seconds to clear all the cached page copies.
It normally is harmless and rarely has to do with a virus. If you find it happening often, you might be more diligent about closing programs or buy more memory. When I did the latter, everything speeded up including stuff I did not expect - like downloads. Memory is cheap right now.

Answer 2

Virtual memory is a space set aside on your hard drive as you probably know. When the hard drive gets filled up, you get this warning. You have two options, add more RAM to your computer, or put in a second hard drive, and move files and programs into it to free up space. I'm not virus expert, run a virus scan (AVG or AVAST are free virus programs with a good reputation you can download). Also CCleaner is a free program to clean out the clutter on your computer safely that might free up hard drive space. Advanced Windows Care is another great free program that will tune up your computer, best of luck.

Answer 3

It is not a virus or any other malware.


Virtual Memory is space allocated on your hard drive for those times that your physical memory (RAM) is not enough.

To increase the amount of virtual memory go to Control Panel > System > Advanced > Performance > Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory "Change" > Custom Size > adjust as needed. 2 times your physical RAM is a good minimum and 3 times your physical memory in MB is good for your maximum.

Answer 4

Running out of virtual memory is caused by having lots of
applications or perhaps few applications that require lots of
memory.

Not knowing what's running on your computer, its hard to tell
from here.

Yes, it is certainly possible that a virus might take the form of
another application consuming memory on your machine.
Viri and spyware are known to be machine hogs.

Consider this an excellent time to recognize that
your operating system is defective. I recommend replacing
it with one of:

http://fedora.redhat.com
http://www.opensuse.org
http://www.debian.org
http://www.ubuntu.org
http://www.slackware.org
http://www.freebsd.org
http://www.opensolaris.org

Any of these will be more reliable, less susceptible to
viri, uses your hardware more efficiently, and they're
all free.

Answer 5

it could be a trojan or a worm using a lot of memory trying to make your pc a spam bot. but most cases you have too many programs running for the amount of ram you have. or one is using a larger portion, and cases the the processer to borrow from the hard drive, this is your virtual memory and its set at 1 and a half times the size of your ram memory.

clear as mud?

Answer 6

You havent viruses. Eras some from hard drive. Don't worry. Is notg nothing. May to by ram memory.