Page file/virtual memory

[Panama Red]

Once more, the old debate, to page file or not to page file, only this time no question (from me anyway). In previous threads, I've said I had my page file set to 0 and intended to leave it that way until a problem indicated I should change. Well, I think that problem has occurred. Nothing major, but while opening several web pages a few days ago, I began getting error messages that windows explorer (not internet explorer) was shutting down. It would come right back and I didn't lose any info or even lose web connection. Tried restarting and once again with multiple activities/web pages open, windows explorer shut down error. I checked event viewer in admin tools and I could see the errors. There was no clear indication of the cause, but I decided to try setting up the page file to see if it had any effect. Per a MS app recommendation, I set the page file to run on my second HDD which is only 13.5Gb. It's empty except for a couple games. When I tried to duplicate the errors by recreating the conditions that caused them, no errors. Since I set up the page file (I let the computer set it's own), not one glitch. This isn't conclusive, I know, but I'm now switching sides to the - You need a page file/virtual memory crowd.

[Markoman01027]

Hello Panama Red,

Put the pagefile on your primary master hard drive, and set it for the same size so it wont fragment itself. The size you want is 768 for initial and maximum size.
You can change the pagefile size in Windows. Right click on my computer, properties, advanced, performance options, and then you will see an option for virtual memory. Click change. Put in the numbers, apply the changes, etc.

[Panama Red]

Hey Matt, thanx. Check these MS links.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;314482

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;307886

[Blakhart]

There is also this to consider: you may stop your apps from pageing, but you'll never stop the os from pageing. The os will page all over the drive if you don't have a pagefile outright. Most find that glitches occur if pagefile is disabled, and pagefiles usualy are best left to the os to manage.

[TPM]

Having 2 hard drives, I put page files on both and set it up to let windows handle it. Is this OK?? I'm quessing windows will go to the 2nd drive to use the paging file but I could be wrong. Also having partition magic I could make an exclusive drive for it but don't know what size to make it. I have 1 gig of ram. 2 hard drives at 80 gig each with plenty of room. I'm running WinXp home on a Dell 4400 with a 1.99 P4. ~ Thanks

[EzyStvy]

This thread is from 07-05-2003

If both drives are on the same channel, you Shouldn't use two swap files.
Leave it on the second drive and let Windows manage it.

[TPM]

What do you mean by "Same channel? I have my C drive on the first drive with a paging file and I put a paging file on the first partition of my 2nd drive. Please see attach.
~ Thanks for the reply

[TPM]

I did see the thread was old but didn't know if I should have started a new one with the same info and all.

[glc]

I don't recommend splitting the page file. I recommend a single page file, 3x system ram initial and maximum.

To keep it from fragmenting, you should do this. Decide which partition you want it on. Move the pagefile to a different partition temporarily, reboot, and defragment the partition you want to use. Reboot, then move it back. It will create it with no fragments and with the same size initial and max it will never fragment. Defrag cannot defragment a fragmented page file. Letting Windows manage the size WILL fragment it. If you only have one partition, temporarily change it to NO page file, reboot, defrag, reboot, and recreate.

Admin note - it's fine reopening an old thread when you have a pertinent question about an old discussion. We just don't want old threads dug back up when you need help with something that's not *exactly* what was discussed.

Admin note #2 - please use the EDIT function instead of posting 2 replies 1 minute apart.

[TPM]

Thanks GLC for the info. Today I learned how to use the edit to add some additional info. My question to you is... having a 1 gig of ram are you suggesting I set the page file size to 3000 (the recommended being 1534) or so low and high? And would it be wise to put the page file on my 1st drive which has my C drive or to my 2nd internal drive. I appreciate the help ~ Thanks

[glc]

3072. I'd put it on the same drive as the OS partition.

[piff263]

i read somewere that pagefile memory is slower than ram and can slow your computer while its refreshing pagfile memory and it could slow you applications down (im not sure if the info i got from some site is accurate can't remeber)
but i find having a second hardrive mainly for pagefile allows me to play games because I don't have that much ram and i tried pagefile for master and it slowed my computer down

[TPM]

To do what you suggest glc I would just check no paging file on my C drive (I still have it on my G drive), reboot, Defrag, reboot, and then set my page file on C to the 3074 and finally then clear my paging file on the G drive. Correct??

Thanks much.. This all gets very confusing

[glc]

Try putting it on X instead. You have tons of free space there.

[TPM]

X it is

Thanks again. I will post back later in the day to let you know how I made out.

OK I did it. Everything is working great.
Thanks again for the help
PS The edit button comes in handy