What does it mean when I get "Your system is low on virtual memory"?

[Nupsiq]

How do I fix the problem I'm having when my laptop has an error that pops up every now and then saying..."Your system is low on memory"

[tomd]

Run fewer programs at once, buy some more ram. If it's an internet pop-up just ignore it, though.

[brion]

Which operating system are you using? Are you using Windows?

[Potatoman]

When your computer runs out of RAM, it uses part of the hard disc as RAM. This is called the page file, or Virtual Memory. Like what tomd said, you will need more mem (or bigger hard disk if you cant get the ram) or run fewer progs at the same time. Also, take note of what he said about the internet popups! Could be a link to spyware or a virus. Hope that helps. PM.

[Nupsiq]

Using Windows 2000, I'm thinking I need more RAM...can anyone give me any ideas about installing RAM in a laptop? Is it relatively EASY or pretty HARD to do on my own?

[scatman]

Whoa there nelly, check your virtual memory settings first. I know you're running 2000 but I don't have that so I can't tell you how to get to it. (in XP you right click my comp > properties. Click Advanced tab > Performace Settings. Click Advanced tab, check Virtual Memory at the bottom.) You may simply need to change that. Mine is set to 1.5x the amount of RAM i have, you might want to set it to that or double.. or just let windows manage it.

[j2buttonsw]

A simple check to see whether you need more RAM is to view the task manager (alt + ctrl + del > Task Manager) under the Performance tab see whether the Commit Charge (K) exceeds the Physical Memory (K). If it does then you need more RAM. Usually there is a cover on the back of the laptop which you unscrew to reveal the RAM slot: you may have a spare slot (just fill it with compatible memory - check the manufacturers web site for more details) or you may have a used slot, in which case replace the module with a bigger bit. Fitting it is very easy: just don't handle the gold connectors with your fingers and take anti-static precautions. As stated, virtual memory should be 1.5x the amount of RAM you have installed (which is usually the Windows default settings). The more applications you have open the more RAM you use and some applications (such as Photoshop) are very RAM hungry.

[peanut]

as scatman says, the proper way to set your virtual memory is to set it to 1.5 times your ram for minimum and three times your ram for maximum. to set this go right click on my computer, properties, advanced, under the performance window click settings and once again click advanced. after that you will see the virtual memory window, click change.

[Nupsiq]

OK...I looked where u guys told me...My initial size is now 216...the Max is 288. Does that seem about right as far as being 1.5X what I have out of my MAXIMUM? And what about the Registry Size? Should that be tweaked as well? Right now it's at 19MB and my Maximum size is 26.

[peanut]

what is your total ram size? take that number and multiply it by 1.5, that is your minimum. then take your ram (not multiplied by 1.5) and multiply it by 3, that is your max. im not sure about the registry but i would leave that alone.