What Are the Symptoms of Low Virtual Memory?
Computers are great when they are working, but they can be extremely frustrating when they have problems. One error message that PC users may get at certain times is “Your system is low on virtual memory.”
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Definition of Virtual Memory
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When you launch a computer program, whether it’s a game, word processor or any other application, the program loads its computer instruction code into the computer’s physical memory. These are the computer’s random access memory (RAM) integrated circuits. The Windows operating system allows users to have more than one application open at a time. This requires more memory. Windows has a featured called “virtual memory” where it sets aside space on the hard drive that it treats as though it were an extension of the machine’s RAM. This extra memory space is called “virtual memory.” This memory management technique is also referred to as “page file” or “swap file.”
The Slow Running Symptom
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When both the computer’s RAM memory and virtual memory, that is, the space allocated on the hard drive for memory use, are getting full, a low virtual memory condition exists. A clear symptom of this problem is that you’ll notice your computer is running application programs slower than it did when you turned it on just a few hours ago. Some programs use more memory the longer they are running.
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The Slow Web Page Loading Symptom
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Another symptom of low virtual memory is when you experience a slowing of your Web browsing, especially the loading of Web pages. Of course, there are times when the Internet itself is to blame for slow response (the “World Wide Wait” as some have called it). As mentioned above, if your computer ran fine when you first turned it on but Web pages are loading slower the longer you have your computer on, this is a symptom of low virtual memory.
The Longer Save and Load File Symptom
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A classic symptom of low virtual memory is the unusually long time it takes for your computer to save and load programs and documents.
The Error Message Symptom
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The most obvious symptom of this condition is the displaying of an actual error message informing the user that the virtual memory is low. Error messages can sometimes be cryptic or seem nonsensical, but fortunately a low virtual memory error message is quite clear and accurate.
Fix Low Virtual Memory Problems
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Fortunately, this condition is easy to solve. For immediate resolution, save your work, close all programs and shut down the computer. Wait a few seconds, restart the computer and continue working. You may have to do this every few hours. A long-range fix is to install more RAM in your computer, which is the best way to prevent future problems. Since the virtual memory feature uses hard drive space, also check that you have lots of free hard drive space by clicking on "My Computer" and right-clicking on the C drive. A drop-down menu will appear. Click on “Properties.” A pie chart will show used and free memory space. You should have at least one-quarter of the hard drive designated as free space. If not, delete some old, unused programs and files and run Windows’ disk cleanup and defragmentation utilities. Lastly, the current setting and the ability to change the amount of hard disk space that is utilized as virtual memory can be accessed through the Control Panel and System tab. Click on the “Advanced” tab in Windows XP, or in Windows 7 the Performance tab and then the Advanced tab.
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References
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