How to Quickly Resolve Hard Drive Space Issues in Microsoft Windows Vista

After a computer has been in use for a long period of time or if the computer has been used to download and store large files such as videos, pictures or images/ISOs, the computer may start displaying a warning message stating that it is "Low on Virtual Memory". Windows operating systems (actually most PC based operating systems that have a hard drive) will extend the memory of the computer by reserving a space on the hard disk which is then used as"memory" so that the computer can handle more simultaneous open programs and tasks without needing to add additional physical memory to the computer. However, when the hard disk then starts to run low on free space the "Low Virtual Memory" error will appear to notify the user that they need to clear some hard disk space in order for the computer memory to operate properly. The procedure below provides a simple way to clear disk space in order to address the error and also increase computer performance.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer with Microsoft Windows Vista installed
• This article

1. First click Start then double click on Computer and then right click on the C: drive (assuming that the operating system is installed on C: drive) and click Properties in the drop down menu that appears.

2. Next, when the Properties window appears click the Disk Cleanup button, then in the window that appears select either My Files Only or Files from All Users on This Computer (recommended to maximize hard disk space) and then let the Disk cleanup utility run.

3. Once analysis is complete (which may take several minutes depending upon the amount of data on the hard disk and the size of the hard disk) the utility will provide a report on what can be safely cleared from the hard drive to reclaim space and also include how much space can be gained in each area listed.

4. Clicking Ok after the analysis has completed is safe as the utility will delete only those files that are temporary and are no longer in use by the user or system. To free even more space you can select additional file categories that are listed (note that the file compression option is not recommended).

5. Next, go back to Computer and then click once on C: drive and then view the amount of drive space available in the left pane of the window. The amount of space available should be equal to or greater than the amount of physical memory installed on the system. To optimize the performance of the computer however, the available space should be double that of the physical memory (RAM) installed on the computer.

[pen-to-paper]

on 10/30/2009 Awesome information. Thanks for the help. 5*