How to Expand Virtual Memory in XP

Virtual memory works like RAM in Windows XP.

A Windows XP-based computer can utilize more memory than is available in the computer's physical RAM. Windows XP sets aside a portion of the hard drive--virtual memory--to be used like RAM. Data is stored in this area when it is not being used by the RAM and is swapped back to the RAM when it is needed. Increasing the size of this portion of the drive increases your virtual memory, which can result in better system performance.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Windows XP

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button and then click "Run." Type "sysdm.cpl" into the "Run" box with no quotes. Press "Enter" to open the System area of the Control Panel.

2. Select the "Advanced" tab of the System panel. Choose the "Settings" button from under the "Performance" heading.

3. Choose the "Advanced" tab on the Settings panel. Press "Change" under the "Virtual Memory" heading.

4. Pick the disk drive for which you want to expand virtual memory "Drive [Volume Label]."

5. Click "Custom size" under the heading "Paging file size for selected drive."

6. Enter larger numbers for "Initial size (MB)" and "Maximum size (MB)" to expand the virtual memory. Click the "Set" button.

7. Press "OK" to save changes and close the dialog box.

Tips & Warnings

• Restart the computer after expanding the virtual memory if prompted to do so.

References

• Microsoft: How to Set Performance Options in Windows XP
• James Eshelman's Windows Support Center: Virtual Memory in Windows XP