How to Clear Virtual Memory in Windows XP

The Windows XP paging file is essentially hard disk space reserved to act like RAM, enhancing your system's performance. Disk space that behaves like physical memory is referred to as "virtual memory." You can set Windows XP to clear its virtual memory on shutdown, but this will have no performance benefit. However, because the paging file can contain credit card info or other sensitive data you might enter in the course of your everyday computing, clearing your virtual memory does have some security benefits.

Instructions

1. Click "Start," then "Control Panel."

2. Double-click "Administrative Tools." Click "Local Security Policy."

3. Click the plus sign next to "Local Policies," then click "Security Options."

4. Locate "Shutdown: Clear Virtual Memory Pagefile," on the right. Double-click it.

5. Select "Enabled," then click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• If your computer is running slow or you are receiving errors about your paging file or virtual memory, clearing the virtual memory on shutdown will not solve your problems. Make sure you aren't being plagued by viruses or other malicious programs. You can increase the size of your paging file or add more physical memory to your machine, as well.