memory

[toomyg]

My desktop listed below used to have 256md ddr pc2100 ram I added 512 of the same type and I ended up with random reboots (shuts down and starts up again) I know the ram 512 is good because I removed the 256mb(what it came with) and the reboots have stopped this has been almost a year know with no problems with the 512 installed, But know I see the 256 mb sitting around here and now I was wondering if there is a way to reinstall this 256 with the 512 together with out the random reboots


I don't know if the will help I have swap files on both of my harddrives set to 766 makeing it 1532mb in size this idea I got from M$ and from a thread I got here ,So will the way this system is setup will the 256mb work with 512mb??????????













How to Configure Paging Files for Optimization and Recovery in Windows XP
View products that this article applies to.
This article was previously published under Q314482
For a Microsoft Windows NT and Windows 2000 version of this article, see 197379.

SUMMARY
The paging file (Pagefile.sys) is a hidden file on your computer's hard disk that Windows XP uses as if it were random access memory (RAM). The paging file and physical memory comprise virtual memory. By default, Windows stores the paging file on the boot partition (the partition that contains the operating system and its support files). The default, or recommended, paging file size is equal to 1.5 times the total amount of RAM. This article discusses how you can configure the paging file for system optimization and recovery.

To enhance performance, move the paging file to a different partition. When the paging file is on the boot partition, Windows must perform disk reading and writing requests on both the system folder and the paging file. When the paging file is moved to a different partition, there is less competition between reading and writing requests.

However, if you completely remove the paging file from the boot partition, Windows cannot create a dump file (Memory.dmp) in which to write debugging information in the event that a kernel mode STOP error message occurs. This can lead to extended downtime if a debug procedure is necessary to troubleshoot the STOP error message.

The optimal solution is to create one paging file that is, by default, stored on the boot partition, and then create one paging file on another, less frequently accessed partition. Additionally, it is optimal to create the second paging file so that it exists on its own partition, with no data or operating-system-specific files. By design, Windows uses the paging file on the less frequently accessed partition over the paging file on the more heavily accessed boot partition. An internal algorithm is used to determine which paging file to use for virtual memory management.

When you place a paging file on its own partition, the paging file does not become fragmented, and this counts as another definite advantage. If a paging file resides on a partition that contains other data, it may experience fragmentation as it expands to satisfy the extra virtual memory that is required. An unfragmented paging file leads to faster virtual memory access and greater likelihood of a dump-file capture that is free of significant errors.

If you follow the preceding recommendations, you meet the following paging file configuration goals for optimization and recovery:
The system is properly configured to capture a Memory.dmp file if the computer experiences a kernel mode STOP error.

-and-
The paging file on the less frequently accessed partition is used most often because it is on a partition that is least busy.
NOTE: If your computer contains multiple hard disks, you can also create a paging file for each hard disk. When information is distributed across multiple paging files, the hard disk controller can simultaneously read from and write to multiple hard disks. As a result, system performance is enhanced.
MORE INFORMATION
For additional information about how to move the paging file in Windows XP, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
307886 HOW TO: Move the Paging File in Windows XP

For additional information about how to set performance options in Windows XP, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
308417 HOW TO: Set Performance Options

For additional information about how to configure recovery techniques in Windows XP, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
307973 HOW TO: Configure Recovery Techniques in Windows XP

The information in this article applies to:
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Last Reviewed: 11/4/2003 (1.1)
Keywords: kbenv kbhowto kbinfo KB314482

[Redfallon]

sounds like the two different types of RAM just don't want to work together, are they different brands? is this an off-the-shelf computer? sorry now i read your sig, what brand ram did you add? do you know what brand was originally in it? I am going to guess and say samsung or micron?

[toomyg]

I remember win3.1 and win 95 you could throw in anything that would fit and it would work but these newer systems are fussy