Increase Virtual Memory in Windows Vista

What does it mean when you receive a "low virtual memory" error when using your PC? It means that your computer is running out of space that it needs to run basic operations and store all your information. RAM (Random Access Memory) is your system's memory. If your computer has too much information on it, it will start to run low on RAM. If your computer needs to run an application but doesn't have enough RAM, it will temporarily store information in its virtual memory, also called a paging file. It effectively frees up some space so that your computer can continue to function.

However, if your computer is so overloaded that there isn't enough RAM or virtual memory then you need to resolve this issue otherwise your system will freeze, crash or run extremely slowly. Not only is this incredibly frustrating, but you could potentially lose valuable information. If you receive a "low virtual memory" error then you need to do one of two things: purchase more RAM for your computer or acquire more virtual memory.

Of course, there is also a manual way to increase the size of your virtual memory. Your computer usually sets your virtual memory to a default size but you can adjust this. Follow the steps below:

1. Select the Start menu and then choose Control Panel, then "System Maintenance" and then "System."
2. Select "Advanced System Settings" from the window on the left. Enter your user password as prompted.
3. Select the "Advanced" tab, then choose the "Performance" tab and then click "Settings."
4. Select the "Advanced" tab again, then select "Virtual Memory and then click on "Change."
5. You will see "Automatically manage paging file size for all the drives" and a box beside it. Make sure this is unchecked.
6. Next, you will see "Drive [Volume Label]." You need to identify the paging file that requires modification and you need to click on that drive.
7. Select "Custom Size."
8. Type the new value (in megabytes) in the "Maximum Size" field (this might also be referred to as the "Initial Size" field).
9. Hit "Ok."

Additional Information:

Your system is able to scan and process information from RAM a lot more quickly than it scans information from the hard drive. Therefore, it is often very beneficial to increase your RAM size instead of, or as well as, acquiring more virtual memory.

The default size of your virtual memory is always set automatically by your Windows operating system. There is a specific formula that is uses to determine the default value – it usually works out to be approximately three times the amount of RAM that your computer has.

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