Computer gurus

[Cobb]

For some reason every hour or so I'll get a pop up saying my virtual memory minimum is too low or something like that. 4-5 minutes later I won't be able to open anything up and I'll just have to turn my computer off and then on. I've done some Google searches about the topic but haven't found anything helpful. If anyone knows how to fix this please let me know. Thanks.

[deestillballin]

1. What type of system do you have.

 

2. how long has this issue been occruing.

[andreusito]

im not brilliant with comps but as far as i know

when your virtual memory gets used its because ur RAM Memory is full

 

so I'd say

get an extra RAM card

[Cobb]

1. What type of system do you have.

 

2. how long has this issue been occruing.

I have Windows XP and it'll just randomly occur. First time it happened was about two weeks ago and ever since Monday it's been popping up 2-3 times a day.

[Warren2ThaG]

i think it happens if u have too many windows open and ur comp can't handle it

[Cobb]

im not brilliant with comps but as far as i know

when your virtual memory gets used its because ur RAM Memory is full

 

so I'd say

get an extra RAM card

I don't know why my RAM memory would be full though. I have plenty of space on my HDD.

[Art]

I don't know why my RAM memory would be full though. I have plenty of space on my HDD.

Ram is completely different from HDD.

 

HDD is space used to save programs on your cpu while your processor is used to run your programs and your RAMaffects how many programs or windows you can have open and run at one time efficiently.

 

Do this though...

 

Press Start

Click Control Panel

Click System

Click the Advanced Tab

Under performance click the settings button

Click the Advanced tab

Then under virtual memory click the change button.

 

Now here is the critical part.

 

Make sure custom size is not checked.

If it is that is causing your problem

Click System managed size

Click the set button

Click the Ok button

 

You will get a dialog box that informs you of a needed cpu restart.

 

Click ok

Then click the apply button on your previous window

 

An now your problem should be fixed and no more pesky memory shortage alerts.

Edited December 3, 2009 by Ya Dig!

[Cobb]

Ram is completely different from HDD.

 

HDD is space used to save programs on your cpu while your processor is used to run your programs and your RAMaffects how many programs or windows you can have open and run at one time efficiently.

 

Do this though...

 

Press Start

Click Control Panel

Click System

Click the Advanced Tab

Under performance click the settings button

Click the Advanced tab

Then under virtual memory click the change button.

 

Now here is the critical part.

 

Make sure custom size is not checked.

If it is that is causing your problem

Click System managed size

Click the set button

Click the Ok button

 

You will get a dialog box that informs you of a needed cpu restart.

 

Click ok

Then click the apply button on your previous window

 

An now your problem should be fixed and no more pesky memory shortage alerts.

Alright, well I did that so hopefully that'll fix things. Thanks man.

[Cobb]

I just got the message again.

 

http://i50.tinypic.com/2jbkvfl.jpg

[deestillballin]

As crazy as it sounds have you flashed your BIOS? alot of memory messages comes from outdated bios

[Cobb]

As crazy as it sounds have you flashed your BIOS? alot of memory messages comes from outdated bios

I honestly have no idea what your talking about lol.

[Warren2ThaG]

i think it happens if u have too many windows open and ur comp can't handle it

[Cobb]

Nah man, I don't think it's that. I've had like 5-6 windows open at once and it's never happened and now I usually only have one or two open and it happens.

[deestillballin]

Well first and fore most when you frist start yoru computer press f2, it will bring up these setup menu and say bios version A(some number)

 

Go to your computer manufacturs website. then look for downloads/drivers there should be a section for bios upgrade. hopefully yours is the most recent one out

[Lkr]

a bios update won't help with virtual memory. allocate more virtual memory instead of doing it automatically fixes my problems with it.

[Lkr]

actually, try opening up task manager. hit view>select columns. choose virtual memory size and hit ok. see what the program is using the most Virtual memory, and try reinstalling it.

[AtTheDriveIn]

You're running XP so your computer is a few years old most likely. RAM doesn't last long, especially with anything that hasn't been bought in the last year or so with the new processors which require roughly 4GB of RAM to run properly. Honestly, this problem wont go away unless you but a new RAM stick; any other solution is temporary and probably wont last more than a few months max. New RAM sticks vary from about $70 to $150; in Australia at least. I'd avide to check how much RAM you have:

 

> Right Click on My Computer

> Click on Properties

> Check Memory (RAM)

 

However much you have, go the the shops and ask for double that. On the XP I ran, I put in 2.00GB RAM after having 1.00GB for a long time and it ran much, much smoother through the processes. Now I'm running a 4.00GBRAM on Vista (Windows Seven in a few days though) and it's easily the best I've had thus far. So more RAM = Good. But for basic setups, if you're running anything under 1GB at the moment, you should really think about upgrading.

[Cobb]

You're running XP so your computer is a few years old most likely. RAM doesn't last long, especially with anything that hasn't been bought in the last year or so with the new processors which require roughly 4GB of RAM to run properly. Honestly, this problem wont go away unless you but a new RAM stick; any other solution is temporary and probably wont last more than a few months max. New RAM sticks vary from about $70 to $150; in Australia at least. I'd avide to check how much RAM you have:

 

> Right Click on My Computer

> Click on Properties

> Check Memory (RAM)

 

However much you have, go the the shops and ask for double that. On the XP I ran, I put in 2.00GB RAM after having 1.00GB for a long time and it ran much, much smoother through the processes. Now I'm running a 4.00GBRAM on Vista (Windows Seven in a few days though) and it's easily the best I've had thus far. So more RAM = Good. But for basic setups, if you're running anything under 1GB at the moment, you should really think about upgrading.

Alright, well I currently have 0.99GB so about 1GB of RAM. Any advice on where I should buy more RAM at? Does it have to be a certain kind that'll work only with my computer or what? Sorry if I'm asking stupid questions.

[Lkr]

Alright, well I currently have 0.99GB so about 1GB of RAM. Any advice on where I should buy more RAM at? Does it have to be a certain kind that'll work only with my computer or what? Sorry if I'm asking stupid questions.

It really won't help too much. ram is not going to help with virtual memory. do you ever restart or shut down your computer? if not, that can cause the virtual memory issue.

if you do end up buying ram, you're either going to need DDR(expensive, worst performance) or DDR2(cheap, good performance)

[Cobb]

It really won't help too much. ram is not going to help with virtual memory. do you ever restart or shut down your computer? if not, that can cause the virtual memory issue.

if you do end up buying ram, you're either going to need DDR(expensive, worst performance) or DDR2(cheap, good performance)

Alright, well is there something besides buying RAM that would help with virtual memory? I've just recently switched to Opera after I talk to you and so far so good. If I come across the problem again what should I do?

[AtTheDriveIn]

Alright, well is there something besides buying RAM that would help with virtual memory? I've just recently switched to Opera after I talk to you and so far so good. If I come across the problem again what should I do?

 

Not really, the hardware that works the actual computer is very bare and basic. The ranges in performances in other brands are very minimal so nothing will help very much. Like anything else, computers give in to wear and tear after a while as well and they have a lifespan. Things are always going to stop working, but if you want to keep it going for a while, new RAM is your best option. It should last you at least a year (mine lasted about that long before I bought a new one) and probably longer if you intend on keeping the same set-up you have at the moment.

 

Oh, and it should make your problem go away.

 

Edit: I just found a DDR2 2.048GB RAM stick for $73.35. That should help with the approximate pricing.

Edited December 4, 2009 by AtTheDriveIn

[Cobb]

Not really, the hardware that works the actual computer is very bare and basic. The ranges in performances in other brands are very minimal so nothing will help very much. Like anything else, computers give in to wear and tear after a while as well and they have a lifespan. Things are always going to stop working, but if you want to keep it going for a while, new RAM is your best option. It should last you at least a year (mine lasted about that long before I bought a new one) and probably longer if you intend on keeping the same set-up you have at the moment.

 

Oh, and it should make your problem go away.

 

Edit: I just found a DDR2 2.048GB RAM stick for $73.35. That should help with the approximate pricing.

Alright, well say I were to buy a RAM stick. How would I go about adding it to my computer? Is it something you install or do you have to manually put it inside your computer? Sorry, I just completely lose about all this stuff.

[AtTheDriveIn]

Alright, well say I were to buy a RAM stick. How would I go about adding it to my computer? Is it something you install or do you have to manually put it inside your computer? Sorry, I just completely lose about all this stuff.

 

You can get a professional to do it or you can do it yourself. It's hardware, so you're going to have to open your box up. If you're not comfortable doing it by yourself, it's a minute job for tech specialists so it's not any kind of hassle. I doubt they even charge you for it. But if you do do it by yourself, just open your box up, take the old one out and put the new one(s) in. I just had a look at mine and it's located on the left hand side of my motherboard (the biggest 'chip' in your box). They have little levers on the side which makes them easy to pop out and in.

[Cobb]

You can get a professional to do it or you can do it yourself. It's hardware, so you're going to have to open your box up. If you're not comfortable doing it by yourself, it's a minute job for tech specialists so it's not any kind of hassle. I doubt they even charge you for it. But if you do do it by yourself, just open your box up, take the old one out and put the new one(s) in. I just had a look at mine and it's located on the left hand side of my motherboard (the biggest 'chip' in your box). They have little levers on the side which makes them easy to pop out and in.

Alright, sounds good. So I need to buy a 2GB stick or RAM and preferably the DDR2 type correct? I would assume they would sell it in stores because I don't really want to buy it online. I'd rather buy it in a store and then see if someone there could install it.

[AtTheDriveIn]

Alright, sounds good. So I need to buy a 2GB stick or RAM and preferably the DDR2 type correct? I would assume they would sell it in stores because I don't really want to buy it online. I'd rather buy it in a store and then see if someone there could install it.

 

Yeah, remember, it wont completely rid your computer of all problems so don't be expecting that, but it should get rid of the message for a while until the RAM runs out again. It should also make your computer process things much smoother that you'll see a marked difference. I personally haven't had a problem with the regular DDR's before, but DDR2's are cheaper and do the same job, so probably have a look for them. And they sell RAM in any tech shop you go to. They'll install for you, too.