swap file in XP

[Briab Guy]

I would like to know more about the swap file in XP pro. The size etc...
any rules of thumb?
I remember that for 98, there were a few theories out there that were very incorrect. I tried to remember how I did it for 98. Useing sys mon, I think I kept track of the pageing file to see its largest size during heavy use. Or something like that.
That is the problem, I don't remember. And in XP the sys mon is set up differently.
I have 512MBR in my PC but only 370MBR is showing availbe. I don't know if its related to the swap file, what ever the reason is. I will post that as a seperate issue. But thought there may be a connection.
Thanks in advance.

[DragonNOA1]

Task Manager -> Performance Tab and look at the Peak Commit Charge. This is the largest your Swap file has ever been since you last started your computer.
I don't remember any "rules" but I have my Swap file set at an initial size of 768MB and maxed at 2GB. I rarely go over 768 but there was once when I dumped everything in memory into the swap and my swap file ballooned up over a gig so i keep a little head room just incase. Good Luck!

[doctorgonzo]

I use System Monitor to figure out the best size as well. 512 MB of RAM, and a 400 MB swap file. It is important to set the minimum and maximum sizes to the same number, so Windows doesn't was time resizing (and possibly fragmenting) the swap file.

[Blakhart]

If you let windows handle it you might be better off.

[Briab Guy]

If you let windows handle it you might be better off.
I agree, but you know how it goes, everything is working so damn good, I just have to do something!
As far as the "rules" go, I am refering to a bunch of ppl's ideas of how to set a swap file back in the days of 9x. Some were pretty crazy. I don't want to go into a long thing, but ppl made up some stuff that was supposed to be a one size fits all, but just didn't work out correct.

If you want to read a couple of the rules of thumb:
(These ar not the quacky ones, though I am not to sure about the 2nd one.)

1
WINDOWS 95/98/ME USERS:
To determine the maximum upper limit of your fixed swap file, to accomodate all possible situations, even if running disk/graphics intensive apps/games, you need to benchmark your machine using the System Monitor tool (Sysmon.exe, located in your Win9x/ME folder).
Click the Start button -> Run... -> type sysmon -> click OK.
Now make sure this is the ONLY item on the SysMon display: click Edit -> Add item... -> click Memory Manager -> select "Swap file in use" -> click OK -> click File -> Start logging... -> choose a path for Sysmon.log -> click Save.
Load up your most demanding application(s)/game(s) (a 3D rendering program like Adobe Photoshop, 3D Studio, LightWave etc, or a 3D game like Unreal Tournament, Quake III, MDK2 etc usually does the trick), and try to perform the most disk/memory/CPU intensive tasks you can think of, not forgetting multitasking.
When done, open Sysmon.log in Notepad, and look at the largest number (in KiloBytes) down the list. Add another 41,280 KB (40 MB) to this value to make sure your system will never go over this limit, and then either type this new number into both Virtual Memory Settings boxes above (in MB), or on both SYSTEM.INI lines above (in KB). Either way, restart Windows when done.
2
WINDOWS 95/98/ME USERS:
To do this, begin by right-clicking on My Computer -> select Properties -> Performance tab -> Virtual Memory Settings -> disable Virtual Memory completely -> click OK twice -> restart Windows.
Next, unload all unneeded programs/devices/TSRs/runtimes/etc that load (when the Windows GUI starts up) from your Registry or Startup folder, by disabling them using the Startup Control Panel applet (freeware).
Restart Windows when done.
Now Defragment fully all your hard disk(s)/partitions using the Windows built-in Defrag.exe tool.
Win98/ME users: make sure the "Rearrange program files so my programs start faster" Defrag option is enabled.
After you're done, right-click on My Computer again -> select Properties -> Performance tab -> Virtual Memory Settings -> select a new permanent swap file by setting the Minimum and Maximum sizes the SAME -> click OK twice -> restart Windows.
Finally, use Startup CPL again to reenable all previously disabled programs.
From now on you'll enjoy less time waiting for your hard disk to spin.

[Panama Red]

This may help.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...&Product=winxp

[Briab Guy]

Panama Red,
thanks, I always forget the knowledge base. I just went and read it.