How to Use ReadyBoost on Windows Vista

ReadyBoost is a new feature of Windows Vista that makes it easy to increase your standard system memory with a simple flash drive. This eliminates the need to go out and spend a fortune on dedicated memory, which may not even be compatible with your motherboard, or simply may not be enough to fulfill your computer needs. ReadyBoost gives you the flexibility to choose the type of memory expansion you want depending on the type of removable component you use.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Windows Vista
• Flash memory drive
• Secure Digital (SD) card

Use ReadyBoost On Windows Vista

1. Start Windows Vista as you normally would. Administrative privileges are not required to use ReadyBoost.
2. Insert the removable memory option you've chosen to use for ReadyBoost. This could be a SD card or a USB flash memory drive, for example.
3. Wait for Windows Vista to detect the device.
4. Click the Start menu button once the device has been detected, then click the "Computer" tab.
5. Right-click on the flash memory drive icon in the display. The drive letter will likely be the last listed, and it will be labeled as "Removable Disk X:," the X being the appropriate drive letter.
6. Click on the "Properties" menu tab.
7. Click the "ReadyBoost" tab along the menu bar.
8. Click the "Use this Device" bubble in the window. This will enable ReadyBoost for the currently selected drive.
9. Adjust the slider to the appropriate level of memory you wish to use on the drive. The maximum allowed by ReadyBoost is 4GB, but you can change the level of system memory usage based on your particular drive.
10. Click "Apply" to save your changes and enable ReadyBoost.
11. Click "OK" to close the ReadyBoost window.

Tips & Warnings

• Many flash memory options are now being labeled and packages as "ReadyBoost Capable," so invest in one of these memory options to ensure you are getting a ReadyBoost compatible component.
• Be aware that in order to be compatible with Windows Vista ReadyBoost, the memory option you choose must be able to store at least 235MB.
• Ensure that the memory device you choose is fast enough to handle ReadyBoost. Simpler flash memory devices (below 2.5 MB/s read speeds) are meant for data transfer and are therefore not going to be efficient or effective as part of the ReadyBoost system.

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