Virtual Memory issue

[noodles]

Windows has alerted me that I've run out of virtual memory. I know that this problem usually pertains to having too much running at once, but I do not have many things running at the moment. Only project64, this very window, MSN, and my anti-virus BitDefender. I've never had this problem before in the same situation, so why is it different now all of a sudden?

[pizzaman]

Windows has alerted me that I've run out of virtual memory. I know that this problem usually pertains to having too much running at once, but I do not have many things running at the moment. Only project64, this very window, MSN, and my anti-virus BitDefender. I've never had this problem before in the same situation, so why is it different now all of a sudden?
What's Virtual Memory? I suggest you close MSN, though. It messes up my computer too.

[noodles]

It's never messed up my computer before. I always have the exact things running on my computer everyday. The only exception being when I'm acquiring a new ROM or when I have Windows Media Player open.

I'm not exactly sure what Virtual Memory is, either.
I've bothered a few guys with this problem already via MSN, but I still can't get it sorted out.

[DarthBrady]

Windows has alerted me that I've run out of virtual memory. I know that this problem usually pertains to having too much running at once, but I do not have many things running at the moment. Only project64, this very window, MSN, and my anti-virus BitDefender. I've never had this problem before in the same situation, so why is it different now all of a sudden?

A common issue, usually easily targeted and solved. ;)

-When was the last time you rebooted your PC?
-Have you Hit Crtl+Alt+Delete, to open the task manager, and check your "commit charge" and Ram Usage? This will normally pinpoint the issue.

Here's How:

-Hit Crtl+Alt+Delete, to open the task manager.
-click the "processes" tab.

You can now check how much RAM (physical and virtual) you have, versus how much is being used by loolking at the Commit charge at the bottom corner of the task manager window.
And, you can scroll throught the process list, and see how much RAM each program process is using, to see where all your RAM is being used up at.

Here is an example:
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/7366/tasmanexampleub1.jpg

Anymore questions, just ask! :)

[pizzaman]

So from that I can see how long my computer can go without restarting? Is it dangerous if the virtual memory is out?

[BlueDragonMan]

Being out of Virtual memory isnt necessarily dangerous, it just means some programs will not work because there isnt enough memory to open it. As a rule of thumb I would restart the comp about once a day anyway unless you have a reason you need to keep it open, like your downloading a file. It dosn't take that long to restart, for me I can restart the computer in 2 min, and generally makes sure you always have enough virtual memory.

[DarthBrady]

Being out of Virtual memory isnt necessarily dangerous, it just means some programs will not work because there isnt enough memory to open it. As a rule of thumb I would restart the comp about once a day anyway unless you have a reason you need to keep it open, like your downloading a file. It dosn't take that long to restart, for me I can restart the computer in 2 min, and generally makes sure you always have enough virtual memory.

BlueDragonMan is correct.

Running out of virtual memory, isnt really "dangerous" unless you have unsaved data, because it can and will cause a system crash.

Just make sure to check your commit charge often for a while, to learn your PC's memeory usage "patterns" better. Having a better knowledge of when you will run out of free system reosources, and what it is that is using them all up, will generally give you a better idea of when you absolutely need to reboot your PC. But generally, you should do it once a day, and turn you PC off completely as often as possible, to cut down the strain on your Hardware, which is VERY IMPORTANT when it comes to the life and perfomance of your PC. -I cant stess the how important that last part is enough! ;)

[noodles]

Thanks a ton, DarthBrady.

[DarthBrady]

Thanks a ton, DarthBrady.

No problem dude, that's why I'm here! :D

[noodles]

Well then I'm very glad you're here. :)

Also, if I may ask, what exactly *is* virtual memory, and can it be expanded?

[BlueDragonMan]

Well then I'm very glad you're here. :)

Also, if I may ask, what exactly *is* virtual memory, and can it be expanded?

It's part of your RAM. It basically is used when you run something so that it remember what its supposed to look like or how to run it. It is deleted/cleaned whenever you restart your comp. It might also delete/clean it self somewhat while the computer is still on. For a more exact answer Iw ould recomend looking on a PC site or waiting for DB or someone else to answer.

[noodles]

Ok, thanks!

[DarthBrady]

Well then I'm very glad you're here. :)

Also, if I may ask, what exactly *is* virtual memory, and can it be expanded?

Well, that's a good question.

Virtual RAM, is not RAM at all. It is actually Hard disk space. On top of your PC's Physical Ram Chips, windows some times needs more memory to keep your PC running smoothly, at it's most hardest working times. Think of it as an adrenaline boost for your PC. Basically, Your operating system,(in this case windowsXP) sets aside some of your free hard disk space, and calls it a "paging file" that your O.S. can write some of your RAM data to, for faster access, when the RAM is working hard. This allows the CPU to gather data faster.

Here is Microsoft's Definintion of Virtual Memory, If you don't like Mine:
When your computer is running low on RAM, and you must have more RAM immediately, Windows uses hard disk space to simulate RAM. This is known as virtual memory. It is also known as the paging file. This is similar to the UNIX swapfile. By default, the virtual memory paging file (named pagefile.sys) that is created during installation is 1.5 times the RAM on your computer.

And yes, you can adjust this function. But it is not recommended for beginners. K=Not knowing what you are doing, will result in Slowing down your PC. Many IT professionals will tell you that- although not perfect, Windows actuially does a great job on it's own with keeping this optimized. But advanced users can get a little performance boost for certain processes, but like I have said before: having a good balance of speed and power is the key to a fast running Operating system!

**NOTE FOR ADVANCED USERS**
If you want to take a crack at this function of your OS, Here is Microsofts Help article about it, but DONT rely only on this, reseach everywhere you can first!
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308417/

[noodles]

Alright, thanks again for your help.

[valkiln]

It used to happen to my computer when ever I ran street fighter alpha 3, what I did was to increase to size of my paging file because the default size was too small and not enough to run street fighter and my back ground programes. You can also increase your physical memory or RAM this should take care of your problem.

[DarthBrady]

My paging file is 613 MB. I thought that was enough, but I guess maybe it isn't. How far should I increase it?

Well, according to microsoft, the optimal size for the paging file, is 1.5 x total physical ram. For example, if you had 8 MB or RAM, then the optimal size for the paging file is 12 MB.

If you want to try to increase the size, remember your original size, and create a restore point first!. IF you make the file TOO large, it will slow down the read/write time on your Hard drive.

[zolrak]

the shocling part is that windows always uses virtual memory even if most of your phisical ram is free.

that sucks!

[DarthBrady]

no, not shocking, but a good thing. It's about time microsoft starting taking lessons from Unix and Linux Designers. As much as I hate Apple, even they are doing this, maybe their market share will rise above 3%, and one day they could acutally be considered a usuable Computer.