How to Clear Your Virtual Memory

Virtual memory is used by the computer as an extension to the RAM (Random Access Memory).
When there's not enough RAM space to hold an entire program, parts of the program that are not in use are transferred to the virtual memory. These parts are then swapped back into the RAM as needed. Windows XP does not clear the virtual memory by default, but it can be set to do so on system shutdown.

Instructions

1. Go to "Start" and click on "Run."

2. Type "secpol.msc" in the run dialog box, then click "OK."

3. Click on the "+" sign next to "Local Policies," which is below "Security Settings" on the left pane in the Local Security Settings Window.

4. Click on "Security Options."

5. Double-click on "Shutdown: Clear Virtual Memory Pagefile" on the right pane.

6. Click on the "Enabled" option in the dialog box that opens.

7. Click "Apply" then click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• Clearing the virtual memory will not have any performance benefits.

References

• Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out, Second Edition; Ed Bott, Carl Siechert, and Craig Stinson; 2004

Resources

• How to set performance options in Windows XP