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How to Detect a Memory Leak

Memory leaks are typically caused by programs when they do not release unneeded memory from your system properly. When this happens, your computer can experience a decrease in performance the longer a particular program is allowed to run. Memory leaks typically occur with individuals who are running the Windows operating system. You can detect a memory leak by using tools that are included with the operating system.

Instructions

  1. Windows XP

    • 1

      Press "Ctrl," "Alt" and "Del" on your keyboard to display the Windows Task Manager. Click the "Processes" tab to view a list of all running processes and the amount of memory each uses. Programs that continue to increase in memory usage after 15 to 30 minutes may have a memory leak.

    • 2

      Open the Performance Monitor in Windows XP. Go to Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools. Double click the "Performance" icon to open the Performance Monitor.

    • 3

      Open a program and let it run for about 15 minutes. View the Performance Monitor to see how the graph is displayed. A line on the graph that has continued to increase without decreasing indicates a memory leak.

    Windows Vista

    • 4

      Right click the "My Computer" icon from the desktop and click "Properties." Select the "Performance" tab to view the Performance Monitor.

    • 5

      Make a note of the System Resources percentage. This is the amount of resources your computer has before any programs were started.

    • 6

      Open one of your programs and use it normally for 15 to 20 minutes. Go back into the Performance Monitor and look at the System Resources percentage. If the percentage is less than before the program was started, it may be creating a memory leak on the system.

Tips & Warnings

  • Terminating the offending program or restarting your computer will free up available memory.

  • The developer of a computer program needs to correct known memory leaks that occur.

  • Terminating a program while it is currently running a process may cause stability issues with your system.

  • You will not be able to fix a memory leak that occurs with a particular program.

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