What do U do when an alert comes up saying "running low on virtual memory"

[Bombtrack]

it has happened a couple times when I'm downloading stuff. If I click on the message it goes away. But I'm afraid I should do something about it. I'm new to Windows XP.

[Don Claybrook]

1. restart the computer

that should fix the immediate problem. Then take a look at running processes in the task manager to see what's taking up so much memory (of course, it could just be that you're running too many programs on not enough memory, impossible to tell from here).

[donco6]

2. Should be an option to have

Windows adjust the virtual memory automatically. Look for it when it comes up next time.

[ghostsofgiants]

3. Might be a sign that you want to throw in a stick of RAM

Virtual memory is part of your hard drive allotted to take over when your RAM is full. If you're running low on virtual memory, it mens that whatever you're doing, you need more RAM to do it efficiently.

[RC]

4. Buy some more real memory.

You need 250 megs minimum.
Also check how many little icon you have by the clock. Each unnecessary icon represents a loaded program. Some people think they can load there whole hard drive because then programs come up faster.
Sure, then they run slow because there is no memory left to run them.

[keopeli]

5. Free answer

Error Message:

(Out of Virtual Memory) Your system is running low on virtual memory. Please close some applications. You can then start the System option in the Control Panel and choose the Virtual Memory button to create an additional paging file or to increase the size of your current paging file.

User Action:

This is a Windows Executive STATUS error message. Choose one of the options from the message box and then close some unneeded applications. Later, you may want to

Increase virtual memory:

Go to Start/Control Panel/System Properties/Advanced/Performance Settings/Advanced/Virtual Memory Change. Enter the amount of hard disk space you want to be used as Virtual Memory. 1000 MB = 1 GB. If you have a 40 GB hard drive and you're only using 40% of it, you can increase Virtual Memory to 5000 MB with no worries. That's 5 GB. You'll be fine for a while.

But take this as a sign. You need to plan on upgrading.

Note - you will need space on your harddrive that you are not using and will not use in order to increase your virtual memory. If your harddrive is more than 70% full, you should consider adding another hard drive (this is as simple as buying a big memory stick, plugging it in your USB port and leaving it there - voila portable harddrive) AND increasing your RAM (Active Memory - must open the computer to replace). This will cost money - retail: $300-500. You can do it yourself for -retail $150-200. You can use ebay and do it yourself for $60-$100. Amazing how we do this with our money. BUT, be warned, you must buy EXACTLY the right RAM for your computer, and there are TONS of different kinds. That's the only really hard part, so do your research.

Good luck!

[texas1928]

6. Check the virtual memory fluid.

it could be low

[KoKo]

7. Turn it off, and then run your Adaware and Spybot...Usually does the

trick. :shrug: