Problems With ReadyBoost

ReadyBoost works with thumb drives and memory cards.

ReadyBoost is a feature of Windows Vista and Windows 7 that allows the computer to cache data on a flash storage device, enabling programs to launch more quickly. Over time, ReadyBoost "learns" the programs you use most frequently and improves their performance. However, ReadyBoost may not noticeably improve the performance of every computer.

No ReadyBoost Option

Windows does not display a prompt asking if you want to enable ReadyBoost when you insert a storage device that does not meet the minimum requirements. In Windows 7, a storage device must have a total storage capacity of at least 256MB, and be able to complete random read and write operations at speeds of 2.5MB per second and 1.75MB per second, respectively. While it is possible to force Windows to use a slower device for ReadyBoost using the registry, the speed requirements exist because a slower device is unlikely to produce a performance benefit.

Superfetch Service

ReadyBoost depends on the Windows "Superfetch" service to cache portions of the code for commonly used programs. If you attempt to enable ReadyBoost with the "Superfetch" service disabled, you may see an error message such as "Windows could not start the Superfetch service." Display the list of Windows services by running the program "services.msc" from the Start Menu. Change the startup type for the "Superfetch" service from "Disabled" to "Automatic."

No Noticeable Benefit

The benefit of ReadyBoost is most noticeable on computers with low RAM. Because RAM is much faster than flash memory, Windows prioritizes RAM when it needs temporary storage space. In 2007, computer website Tom's Hardware measured the amount of time needed to launch Microsoft Outlook 2007 on Windows Vista-based computers with and without ReadyBoost. In a computer with 512MB of RAM, ReadyBoost decreased the amount of time needed to launch Outlook 2007 by as much as 6 seconds. With 1GB of RAM, there was no noticeable performance increase. If your computer has low RAM, try using ReadyBoost with a faster storage device. Connect the device directly to the computer rather than through a hub.

Storage Device Full

If you are unable to use your ReadyBoost device to store other files, you may have allocated too much space to ReadyBoost. From the "Computer" screen, right-click the icon for the storage device and select "Properties." Select the "ReadyBoost" tab in the new window, and drag the slider under "Space to reserve for system speed" to the left to allocate less space to ReadyBoost. Alternatively, disable ReadyBoost completely from this screen if desired.

References

• Tom's Hardware: ReadyBoost Application Performance
• TechNet Magazine: Tip: Understand ReadyBoost and Whether It Will Speed Up Your System
• Vista Rewired: Force ReadyBoost to Work in Windows Vista
• HP: Using Windows Vista ReadyBoost