How to Mount My File System in RAM

A RAM drive stores data in RAM and can be 10 to 100 times faster than a typical hard drive.

It is possible to mount a file system in RAM -- in essence, to create a hard drive in RAM -- in order to speed up some programs. RAM drives can be used as caches for applications that might require frequent access to data that is stored on a hard drive, such as Photoshop.

Instructions

RAMdisk

1. Follow the "RAMdisk" link in the "Resources" section below. Click "Free Download."

2. Wait 60 seconds and click "Download the file."

3. Right-click on the ZIP file and select "Extract" or "Extract all."

4. Double click on "ramdisk.exe."

5. Select "Install this driver software anyway" when prompted.

6. Click "Install Ramdisk" and then "Yes" to complete the installation.

7. Select "Disc Size" using the drop-down menu.

8. Assign a letter to the drive and select "Fixed drive."

9. Click "Apply" to create the RAM drive.

RamDisk Plus

1. Follow the "Superspeed: RamDisk Plus" link in the "Resources" section below. Click "Start Download" to download the RamDisk Plus software.

2. Click "Next," select "I accept the terms and license agreement" and press "Next."

3. Select "Next" and then "install" to install RamDisk Plus. Click "Finish."

4. Go to the "Start" menu and click the "RamDisk Plus" icon. Click the "Add" button and click "Next."

5. Select the size of the hard drive, click "Next" five times and then select "Finish" to create your RAM disk.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to right-click on the RAM-disk file and select "Run as administrator" for it to work.

• RAM disks are much faster than regular hard drives, but you should avoid using more than half of the available RAM space.

References

• My Digital Life: Free Ramdisk for Windows Vista, XP, 2000 and 2003 Server

Resources

• RAMdisk
• Superspeed: RamDisk Plus