Virtual memory

[Knipples]

My laptop is 5 years old, and now very slow and crashes/freezes a lot (roll on the birthday fairy!) anyway it keeps telling me that the computer is low on virtual memory and that windows is increasing it blah blah - am sure you know the thing I mean.

I just let it get on and do it, but what does it actually mean. I have 8 gig free on my computer, so its not physically full up, but can someone tell me if I can do anything to help it run better.

When its doing the "increasing" thing, images are usually not displayed, and the little pictures by my bookmarks sometimes disappear.

All my virus protection is up to date, and so is my spyware.

[divine]

It means it has run out of RAM and then also run out of space on the section of hard drive it has reserved as 'virtual RAM'.

When it does this, it's worth checking task manager and seeing what it using memory and what is using virtual memory - you may find a rogue process using more than its fair share or it might just be a case of so many processes they fill it all up, in which case you might be able to get rid of some you don't need.

[Mark]

What he said. It'll also be the cause of some of the slowness. Any time your computer has to move data out of main memory (RAM) onto disk and back it causes slow downs.

Either the laptop doesn't have enough memory for what you're using, or something is using too much.

When you get the problem, press the Ctrl, Alt and Del keys together which will start up Task Manager, then have a look at how much memory is being used (performance tab) and which programs are using the most (processes tab).

PS - memory on laptops is the one thing that is often easy to upgrade.

[Knipples]

Ok the things using the most are these

Firefox 92,000 (ish) k
Ashserv.exe 13,500 k
MsMpEng.exe 14,600 k
AshWebSv.exe 48,000 k
explorer.exe 12,000 k (I am using FF so is that IE)
MSASCui.exe 5,000 k
svchost.exe 6,300 k

All the others are 2,000 k and below. Is all that ok to have running, MSN was another big one but I guess thats bound to use a up a fair bit.

[divine]

Couple of print screens might be easier, especially if you have a lot of processes listed.

[Mark]

No, explorer.exe is Windows Explorer. Nothing untoward there that I can see - Firefox, Avast, Windows Defender etc.

How about the Performance tab? It looks like the laptop is running Windows Vista so the useful numbers are in the 'System' box. Or a print screen. :)

Edit - If it'll help, I've fired up my MSN account (contact details that way <---)

[Knipples]

Printscreens of the processes and the performance tab

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i123/dollymarie/taskmanager1.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i123/dollymarie/taskmanager2.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i123/dollymarie/taskmanager3.jpg

[Mark]

Hmm. Odd that you've got a process that Google identified as Windows Defender (MsMpEng.exe) running on XP. :confused:

Anyway, aside from the fact that the laptop would benefit from a RAM upgrade (all available memory in use), that doesn't look too bad. There are probably a few things that could be removed but nothing that is an obvious candidate (that I can see).

My recommendation - leave task manager running (and please restart it each time you turn the laptop on). As soon as you see the message again, grab some more print screens.

[Knipples]

Yup I have windows defender on here, someone told me I needed it a few years ago, so it just does its thing in the background.

Its just old age then, I seriously have no money spare to buy anymore RAM. Do I just need to hold on until I can get a new laptop at the end of the year then?

[Mark]

What's the make/model of the laptop? I'm not sure if I still have any spare laptop RAM, and even less sure if it would be compatible, but if I do, it could find its way in your direction. :)

If I don't, someone else might.

[Knipples]

Erm its a Toshiba L10 -300. I wouldnt have a clue how to put it on/in here though, how does it work?

[Mark]

Depends on the model. Usually it's either under the keyboard or under a cover underneath the laptop. Once you've got access, it's just a case of pushing some springs out the way and the old stuff pops out, then slotting the new stuff in and pushing down.

I'll do some research. :)

Edit:

Toshiba Equium L10-300
Supplied RAM: 512MB
Maximum RAM: 2048MB (2x 1024MB)
RAM required: DDR PC2700 SO-DIMM

I'll have a look and see what I've got during the week (probably Thursday but possibly sooner). I may have 2x 512MB of that, but I'm not sure.

In the meantime, I'll try and find a service manual and find out where the RAM slots are.

[Knipples]

Thankyou, the model number if that helps is PSL17E - 00C008AV

Serial number 85060466W

My Dad could probably do it if I beg him. He's an electrical engineer, so as long as he knew how.

[Mark]

Thanks - I found it already - see above. :)

Dad shouldn't have any trouble. All that's needed is time, a screwdriver, and anti-static precautions. :)

[Mark]

OK, I'm not having much luck with manuals. Do you have the original CDs for it? Are there any manuals on those?

[Knipples]

I probably do somewhere, but having moved im not sure where.
Can have a look tomorrow.

[Mark]

No rush. It'll take me a few days to get hold of the memory anyway. I just can't remember if it's PC2100 or PC2700 (I fear the former).