Why is the virtual memory running out? How do I fix this problem?

Question

My notebook gives me a warning that I am running low of virtual memory. What do I do to fix this?

Answer 1

You can add more ram .. or you could increase your page file size.

to increase the virtual memory or page file ... right click on the my computer icon on the desktop .. and hit properties ...
go to advanced -> under perfrmance, hit the settings button .. now go to the advanced tab here.. and you can see the option for virtual memory .. just increase the default size to twice of ur ram .. and maybe the max size as 3 times ur ram ...

Answer 2

If a computer running Windows requires more memory/RAM then there is installed in the system to run a program, etc, it uses a small section of the hard drive for this purpose. This is called “Virtual” memory, or “Swap Filling”. If the “Swap” file is to small, then you will get a warning that the system can’t perform the operation that you have requested because sufficient “Virtual” memory isn’t available.

You need to enlarge the size of your “virtual memory/swap file”. So, do the following.

Right click “My Computer” and choose “Properties”.
In the “System Properties” window, click the “Advanced” tab.
Under “Performance”, click “Settings”.
In the “Performance Options” window, click “Advanced”.
Under “Virtual memory”, click “Change”.

Increase the size of the “Paging file” so that it is at least twice the size of your RAM. You can increase the size to “Maximum”, it won’t hurt your system at all.


Best cure.

If you really want to eliminate this problem, all you need do is to install more “Memory/RAM”.

Answer 3

You can add more physical RAM to your notebook or you can change the amount of virtual memory your system has by going into Control Panel > System > Advanced > Performance Settings > Advanced > Change

I believe the general rule is to have the virtual memory set to a minimum of 1.5x your system's physical memory.

Answer 4

Usually running out of virtual memory means that you are running too many applications at the same time for your system or one of them is attempting to use too much memory.

Increasing virtual memory is one way of compensating for lack of RAM. However, it's optimum should be set at 1.5 times the amount of RAM on your computer. Virtual memory can be increased, but it comes with a risk if you increase it too much as it can eventually lead to hard drive damage.

To increase VM on Windows XP (should be in similar locations for other versions) look in Control Panel: System, Advanced, Performance Settings, Advanced, Virtual Memory.

You can see if your computer can handle more RAM at http://www.crucial.com/index.asp

Note: The presence of Malware (viruses, spyware, etc) can also eat up your system resources.

Answer 5

get more memory for you notebook. you can buy it online/computer stoes, etc.
however, these can be expensive, so if you want, try this
go to control panel > add or remove programs (which gives you a list of all your programs and other info about them) and remove all the programs you do not need. this will clear some memory space and you can continue using your notebook ^_^

*if you absolutely cant delete any of your programs or buy memory, leave this problem alone. however then you have limited space for you to download other programs and the like.

Answer 6

HOW TO CHANGE VIRTUAL MEMORY:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/sysdm_advancd_perform_change_vmpagefile.mspx?mfr=true

Answer 7

you are using some software that is very memory hungry - its used all your available ram now its into your swap file - try pressing control alt and delete and go to the processes tab you can then see whats eating your memory and either disable it or delete it?
could be a guess but have you just installed vista?
its very memory hungry!