Member Avatar for lyn1261

i recieved a message saying low virtual memory, and my computer began to run slow. how would i go about correct this problem?

im using windows xp

thank you.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by chrisbliss18

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Quick expert note referencing the thread: reported the "low virtual memory" popup after a fresh XP install; and raised RAM/disk-maintenance points and asked what was running. Rather than immediately changing settings, use the checklist below to find the root cause — the right fix depends on whether this is a true hardware/OS shortage, a leaking process, or a disk/driver problem.

  1. Gather basic facts first — right‑click My Computer -> Properties (or run msinfo32) to record installed RAM and free space on the system drive. Open Task Manager (Performance and Processes) and note the Commit/Page File figures and which processes use the most memory.
  2. Reproduce while watching Task Manager. If a particular process grows steadily (even when idle), suspect a memory leak; note its name exactly. Use a more detailed tool (Process Explorer or RamMap from Sysinternals) to see Private Bytes / Working Set for offending processes.
  3. Isolate with Safe Mode / Clean Boot (msconfig). If the error disappears, a startup service or driver is likely causing the leak. Re-enable items in small groups to find the culprit.
  4. Check Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) for warnings/errors recorded around the time of the popup — this often points to the offending driver or service.
  5. Run a RAM test (memtest86+) from bootable media to rule out bad memory, and check the system drive’s SMART status if available.
  6. Advanced tweak: if the pagefile constantly grows and you have a single slow disk, consider temporarily setting a fixed pagefile size (min=max) to reduce churn — but back up first and don’t disable the pagefile on 32‑bit XP.

If these steps still don’t reveal the cause, post the exact installed RAM, free space on C:, and a screenshot or copy of Task Manager (Processes sorted by memory) and any Event Viewer messages so further advice can be specific.

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Member Avatar for goldeagle2005

How much RAM do you have? The message you describe points to your swap file getting full. Typically, the swap file size should be 1.5 times the size of installed RAM. For 128 MB RAM, the swap file size should be 384 MB.

Also, try defragmenting your hard drive. I would suggest you install more RAM though.

Member Avatar for jingalala

If you are runnin low on hard drive space, you cud also run CCLenaer or the disk cleanup utility in Windows to free up some space, after that run chkdsk and then defragment, so that the system doesnt slow down due to a badly frgamneted drive. In fact if ur paging file is severly fragmented, get soem specialized defra software tht can defrag the paging file as well and i agree too that u cud do wth more RAM.

Member Avatar for lyn1261

the thing is, i just installed windows xp on this computer, so it started from scratch. there shouldnt be too many files on it already.

Member Avatar for goldeagle2005

the thing is, i just installed windows xp on this computer, so it started from scratch. there shouldnt be too many files on it already.

True, but if you have insufficient amount of RAM, you will get the errors you specify, and the computer will run slow.

Member Avatar for chrisbliss18

How much RAM do you have on the system?

What were you doing on the machine when the error occured? In other words, what programs were you using?

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