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Adjust virtual memory

The ideal size is 1.5 times the size of your physical memory. If you have 500 megs of memory, you should set the virtual memory to 1 gig. If you still having an issue, you can try increasing the virtual memory to 1.75 times the amount of memory in the system.

To view what process is using the most virtual memory, click here.

To modify the virtual memory Click the OS that you have

 

Windows XP

  1. Go to control panel (This link will open in a different window)
  2. Double-click System
  3. Click Advanced tab
  4. Click Settings under performance
  5. Click Advanced tab
  6. Click change  under Virtual Memory
  7. Click System drive (C:)
  8. Select custom size
  9. Enter your desired virtual memory size for
    1. Maximum Size
    2. Initial Size boxes
      1. Usually the same size for both Maximum and initial
  10. Click Set
  11. Click OK three times
   
  • Restart the computer

    •  

    Windows Vista

    1. Click Start
    2. Type system in start search box
    3. Click System in the Program list
    4. Click Advanced System Settings
      1. Enter administrator password (if asked)
      2. Click Allow
    5. Click Advanced tab
    6. Under Performance, click Settings
    7. Choose the Advanced tab
    8. Click Change under Virtual Memory
    9. Deselect the Automatically Manage paging File Size for All Drives checkbox
    10. Select System Managed Size under Paging File Size for Selected Drive
    11. Change the size to your desired setting
    12. Click Set
    13. Click OK three times
       
  • Restart the computer

    • For information on what virtual memory is and why you get the low virtual memory message, click here.