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Memory

How to resolve “Low on memory”

Asked by: ella yersho


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One Response to “Memory”

  1. Chris Says:
    May 6th, 2010 at 7:52 am

    Hi Ella,

    This ‘Low on memory’ message means that your PC has too many programs running for the amount of memory that it possesses. That sounds like a trivial answer, but it’s not quite as simple as it sounds. Your PC has two sorts of memory – real memory (RAM) and virtual memory (a section of the hard disk reserved for use as temporary memory).

    In Windows XP, you can check how much memory of both types that you have by clicking Start | My Computer and selecting View System Information. Your RAM is shown in the panel, either as MB or GB. Make a note of it.

    Now click on the Advanced tab at the top of the System Properties window and click on Settings in the Performance panel. This displays the Performance Options window. Click on the Advanced tab and you will see the Virtual Memory panel below the other two. See how much virtual memory is configured. It is usually around 1.5 times the physical RAM installed (which you checked earlier). If it’s less than that, click on the Change button to see what Windows recommends. It’s usually best to select “System Managed Size” so that Windows will adjust it automatically. Once you have changed it, click on the Set button. You may need to reboot the PC afterwards.

    Now to cover the alternative situation, that you have sufficient Virtual Memory configured. The short answer is to fit more RAM. You can get your local computer shop to do it for you or you can do it yourself.

    It’s relatively easy to do it yourself if you are comfortable with the prospect of opening up your computer’s case, but it’s important to take three steps before you do it.

    Firstly, check how much RAM your computer can hold. Older PCs may have a maximum of around 1GB, which is the minimum that XP needs to run well nowadays.

    Secondly, see what’s fitted at present and whether there are any empty memory slots. Your total RAM may consist of more than one memory module.

    Thirdly, ensure that if you do purchase more RAM, that it’s the correct type, compatible with your PC.

    You can do all three with Crucial’s free memory checker which is available at http://www.crucial.com/uk/index.aspx

    Please ask if you need more advice!

    Chris

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