How to Fix the Virtual Memory on a Dell Home PC

It's frustrating when you receive the dreaded error message "Your system is running low on virtual memory." This is often due to memory intensive computer programs such as high-end PC games or graphic programs like Adobe Photoshop. Most modern Dell home computers run the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system. You can increase your Dell's virtual memory by increasing the amount of Virtual Random Access Memory (RAM) that is available for use. This can increase the performance of your favorite programs and stops you from getting that error message in the future.

Things You'll Need

• Dell computer
• Windows 7 operating system

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button and select "Control Panel."

2. Select the "System and Security" option, then click on "System."

3. Choose the "Advanced system settings" option in the "System" menu. If it is not already selected, click the "Advanced" tab from the "System Properties" menu.

4. Select the "Settings" button under "Performance." Click on the "Advanced" tab in the "Performance Options" menu.

5. Click the "Change" button from the "Virtual Memory" box. Uncheck the box labeled "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives."

6. Select the "Custom Size" radio button. Enter an initial size and a maximum size in the appropriate sections.

7. Select the "Set" button, then click the "OK" button. If you receive a message prompt asking you to restart your computer, click "OK."

8. Click the "Apply" button then the "OK" button. Close any remaining menus. Restart your Dell home computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Setting the Virtual Memory maximum size to "High" can reduce your computer's performance. Be sure to leave about 25 percent of your hard drive available for other Windows functions.

References

• Microsoft Windows: What Is Virtual Memory?
• Microsoft Windows: Change the Size of Virtual Memory