How to improve performance with Virtual Memory!

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This question was answered on March 5, 2001. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

Windows has, since its creation, used your hard drive as a secondary memory source for swapping information to and from RAM (Random Access Memory), as it is needed. This use of “Virtual Memory” (or a Swap File) frees up your RAM, which is much faster, for items that are being currently processed. Windows, in its default installation, decides upon the size of the Swap File and must resize it from available disk space as needed.

In order to be efficient, Windows looks for large chunks of un-fragmented disk space to create this swap file, but can be slowed down if it has to spread it around various parts of your hard drive. This process is one reason it’s recommended that you “defrag” your hard drive periodically.

By permanently setting the parameters for the Windows Virtual Memory, not only can you increase performance, but you can also put a guard in place that will keep Windows from becoming unstable when you get low on disk space. One of the worst operating conditions for your computer is to be with little or no empty space on the primary hard drive as this can cause it to overwrite or corrupt critical system and data files.

By setting a permanent size for your swap file, you are essentially fencing the space off just for Windows to use in the operation of the computer. Since no user data can be written in this space, it will always be available for Windows to use as Virtual Memory.

Before changing the settings for your Virtual Memory, it is highly recommended that you run the Defrag utility. (To access the Disk Defragmenter click on Start, Programs, Accessories then System Tools.)

Once the Defrag has completed, click on Start, Settings, Control Panel then double-click on the System icon. This will open the System Properties window with four tabs across the top. Make note of the amount of RAM detected at the bottom of the “General” information screen, then click on the Performance tab and then on the Virtual Memory button. Change the option from the default setting “Let Windows manage…” to “Let me specify…”. The general rule of thumb is to create a swap file that is roughly 2.5 times the amount of RAM that you have. For instance if you have 16MB of RAM, set both the swap file “Minimum” and “Maximum” settings to 40. If you have 32MB of RAM, use 80 in both; for 64MB use 160; for 128MB use 320, etc.

Once you have put the same number in both the Minimum and Maximum fields, click the OK button. This will generate a warning message that asks you to confirm the change. Confirm the change and then reboot your computer for the changes to take effect. WARNING! If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, do not make this change.

If you ever increase or decrease the amount of RAM installed in your computer, remember to reset the Virtual Memory to reflect the change.

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