What is Virtual Memory?

Virtual memory is non-physical memory (yeah, that helps).

Windows uses virtual memory when it doesn't have enough "regular" physical memory to perform a task. When it does this, Windows uses your hard drive to store information that normally would be put into your RAM memory. Here's an overly simplified example:

Let's say you have 32 meg of RAM available. Now, you load a program that takes up 20 meg, and another that takes up 22 meg. You need a total of 42 meg, but you only have 32 meg of actual RAM memory. However, both programs still run. What's happening?

Windows is using 10 meg of hard drive space to supplement your physical 32 meg of RAM (don't worry, this 10 meg will be erased once Windows is done with it).

I know what you're thinking. Why bother to add extra RAM to my computer if it can use hard drive space instead? Main reason - RAM is much faster.

Whenever you're using a lot of virtual memory, you're slowing your computer down (way the heck down). The best work around is to get more physical memory. I recommend 512 - 1024 meg, depending on how many programs you run simultaneously.

Oh, one more thing. If you don't have a lot of hard drive space left (I recommend a minimum of 100 meg) and you're experiencing lots of problems, lack of virtual memory may be why. When Windows runs out of memory (virtual and non-virtual), it just doesn't run all that well.

Adjust Virtual Memory

If you have two hard drives in your computer and your C: drive is about full, you can tell Windows to use your other drive for virtual memory. OR-if you have one hard drive that is faster than the other, it's probably better to use that one for virtual memory, since your data is retrieved faster.

In any event, if you want to change the drive Windows uses for virtual memory, here's how:

A word of caution first: If you mess something up with virtual memory (you know, like change the amount Windows can use or shut it off altogether), it can stop your system from functioning properly. So be careful!

For Windows 95, 98 & ME

1. Right-click "My Computer" and select Properties from the resulting menu. Remember that "My Computer" may be on your desktop or Start Menu.
   
   
2. Next, click the Performance tab and click the Virtual Memory button.
   
   
3. By default, Windows manages your virtual memory. Select "Let me specify my own virtual memory settings".
   
   
4. From the "Hard Disk" drop box, select the drive you want to use.

That's it. Hit the OK button and you're all set.

Again, if you feel the need to mess with any other settings, you do so at your own risk.

For Windows XP

Windows XP hides the VM adjustment-probably because they don't really want you messing with it.

1. Right-click My Computer and select Properties (or hold down the Alt key and double-click "My Computer" if using a mouse)
   
   
2. Click the Advanced tab then under Performance, click "Settings".
   
   
3. There will be another Advanced tab to select in the "Performance Options" window. Down where it says "Virtual Memory" click Change.
   
   
4. Finally, we get to the screen we're looking for. You will see a window with available drives where you can select the drive you want (if you have more than one). Notice that it also shows how much space you have available on that drive. You can specify a Custom size, or let the system manage the size for you. After you've made your selection, click Set and OK.