Virtual computer memory windows xp. How to speed up Windows by properly setting the page file. The correct swap file location. On which drive to include

Given that you are already in the "System Properties" menu, then simply follow the steps below:

Now in the window that opens, we will make changes.

Almost always, this file is located in drive C, as the system recommends. But given that this drive is already loaded with the installed operating system, we will move it to another, less loaded drive, for example, drive D. Of course, ideally, when the swap file is on another hard drive, but not everyone has it.

So, moving the swap file from drive C to drive D, we perform the following manipulations:

The selected line should indicate the size of the swap file that is suitable for your system. To select the ideal paging file size, you need to increase the amount of RAM of a personal computer in one and a half to two times. This value will be the best option to improve computer performance. Thus, if the size of RAM is 2 GB, then it is clear that the page file should not be more than 4 GB. Accordingly, in the section “Initial size” we will write 3000, respectively in the field “Maximum size” - 4000. Next, click “Set” and restart the computer so that the parameters that we changed are saved.

It is worth noting that the technology of "swap" is not recommended to be used constantly, but only when the system is overloaded with voluminous games and applications. In all other cases, you just need to expand the installed amount of RAM.

And yet, if you use the swap file, you must periodically defragment your hard drive.

We hope that our tips will help improve the performance and speed of your system. Especially if you have to work with a weak personal computer. Good luck! Leave a comment.

Hello dear readers! Today we open a series of articles about optimizing a computer on Windows. We start with such a thing as. In this article you will find answers to such questions: Where is the page file ?; How to configure the swap file ?; How to set the optimal paging file size for different amounts of RAM ?. Go!

Swap file (pagefile.sys) is a system file on the hard drive (usually on the system drive) of the computer, which serves as an addition (extension) to the RAM. Also, this additional memory is called the virtual memory of the computer.
Virtual memory - a computer memory management method for executing programs that require large amounts of RAM than is actually on the computer. Missing RAM such programs get from the page file. In other words, the swap file unloads RAM during periods of heavy loading.
RAM is many times faster than swap file memory. If you simultaneously run several applications in the system that consume a lot of RAM, then the data of unused ones will be unloaded from the RAM into a less fast virtual memory. Active applications will be served directly by random access memory (RAM). Also, if, for example, you deploy a minimized application, then the data from the virtual memory will again be transferred to RAM.

How to configure the swap file and change its size?

Competent, proper configuration of the swap file will significantly speed up the computer. It would not be a sin to take advantage of this. Where can I configure it?

For Windows XP:
Start\u003e Settings\u003e Control Panel\u003e System\u003e Advanced\u003e Performance\u003e Settings\u003e Advanced\u003e Change
For Windows 7/8 / Vista:
Start\u003e Settings\u003e Control Panel\u003e System\u003e Advanced system settings\u003e Performance\u003e Settings\u003e Advanced\u003e Virtual memory\u003e Change

To point Performance You can also get by typing sysdm.cpl at the command line Run (the command line can be opened by pressing WIN + R).

If you did everything correctly, you should be in the window Virtual memory. By default, in Windows 7/8 / 8.1 / 10, the size of the swap file is determined automatically by the system itself.
As you can see in the picture, the swap file can be configured for each partition (and each disk) separately. To set your paging file size:

At the very top of the window, uncheck the item Automatically select paging file size.
Select the partition (or physical disk) for which the page file is configured.
Select the Specify size option, specify the Original size, and Max size (indicated in megabytes)
Be sure to click on the button Set.

To disable the page file, select the switch No swap file.

Windows swap file size. Which one is right?

There are different versions about the optimal page file size. I will express my point of view on this subject, which is based on my observations and experiments with the swap file on various equipment. It may coincide with the opinions of some IT professionals. I am a supporter of the version that if 6-8 GB or more RAM is installed on the computer, then swap file can be disabled altogether. I think that large swap file volumes only slow down the computer. Of course, if the amount of RAM is less than 6 GB, then it is better to set a certain amount of additional virtual memory.
How to set paging file size correctly? The minimum paging file size must match the maximum. For example: 512-512, 1024-1024, 2048-2048 - this is the correct filling, and 512-1024, 1024-2048 - the wrong filling.
Identical indicators of the minimum and maximum size of the swap file reduce this file, and this therefore speeds up the process of reading information from it.
Now, depending on the amount of RAM, let's see what size the page file needs to be set. There are the following approximate indicators:

the optimal paging file size for 512 Mb of RAM, - 5012 Mb;
optimal paging file size for 1024 Mb of RAM, - 4012 Mb;
optimal paging file size for 2048 Mb of RAM, - 3548 Mb;
optimal paging file size for 4096 Mb of RAM, - 3024 Mb;
optimal paging file size for 8 GB of RAM, - 2016 Mb;
optimal paging file size for 16 GB of RAM (and more), - without swap file.

Of course, this is a subjective view and these indicators can not be absolutely accurate, recommended, but in practice it was they that gave effect. You can experiment yourself and find the best combination for your computer. There are some notes here.

For example:
Some applications require a swap file. Disabling it can lead to errors in the operation of such applications. When you turn off virtual memory on the system drive, it will also become impossible to write a memory dump with BSOD "ah (Blue screen of death).
If you, as a rule, minimize several applications, leaving them running, and switch to others, then here you may also need a large swap file, since data from minimized applications is written to it. Although, here everything depends on the volume RAM.

The correct swap file location. On which drive to include?

If you have several physical disks on your computer, you need to install the swap file on the fastest disk. It is believed that the swap file is divided into 2 parts:

The first part on the system disk (partition) (just for recording debugging information with blue screens of death)
The second part on the fastest drive

At the same time, the system accesses the least loaded partition during operation, without touching the first one.
It is also recommended that a separate partition be created for the swap file, with a memory size equal to or close to the size of the swap file (for example, 2024mb). This trick allows you to get rid of the fragmentation of this file.

Summary:

I hope the tips given in the article will help you correctly configure the page file on your computer and optimize its work. If you have questions, write in the comments, I will try to give comprehensive answers to them.

To ensure stability and performance, the operating system uses virtual memory. Equally important in optimizing the great performance of the system is the correctly configured amount of virtual memory (swap file). This article talks about how you can configure it and give some tips when using the page file for Windows.

The first things to know when optimizing a swap file are the most common terms. So, probably even beginners have heard such a term as it is also called RAM, which acts as a storage device and speeds up the work of all installed programs. As a rule, in order for a computer to work much faster, you need to buy more RAM, so the operating system will work faster and the whole system will hang less.

As for the swap file, here it is called differently. The most common name is " virtual memory file". What is this, we will try to figure it out. This is primarily a file that is stored on your computer on your hard drive. It performs the role of partial replacement of the storage of data files of various programs, if the RAM is full, then it transfers this information to the swap file in order to free up space for new processes. It is also worth talking about Virtual Memory. Generally speaking, this is the RAM with the swap file. It is also worth knowing about swapping - this is the process of submitting an additional page to the RAM so that the software used works an order of magnitude higher.

Often, users get various errors on the screen. It is not surprising if you try to use quite resource-intensive software with very low parameters of your computer configuration. In order to avoid such situations, it is worth increasing the amount of RAM, at least up to 3 GB is an approximate standard for today, although this will not be enough when using Windows Seven. But for XP just right (the system will not see more). You can also try increasing the size of the page file. Typically, the system independently adjusts the volume of this file, but often these sizes are not enough to use heavy programs, therefore, either manually increase the swap file, or if your computer is too old, equip it with a more powerful configuration.

For those who do not yet know how to change the size of the paging file, you can view the following instructions.

In Windows XP, this is done as follows - go to Start > Control Panel > System . In the opened window “ Properties of the system "Find the tab" Additionally ", Further " Performance "And click" Options" .

A window will open with the parameters of your system. Next, in the options window, click the “ Additionally "Below find" Virtual memory ". To make changes to the performance parameters, click " Edit ».

Next, select the drive where you are going to store the new swap file. In order to set manually, you need to select " Custom size ". After completing the procedure, follow the path of agreement, that is, everywhere click " OK».

Each operating system is dependent on the swap file, so it actively uses it for its own purposes. Naturally, the larger the file, the faster your computer thinks. When creating Windows, Microsoft gave the default settings for the page file. It behaves in a dynamic way, that is, it is able to change its volume depending on the needs of your computer, or rather RAM. It performs a wide range of work, unloading your system and giving it new breaths of air. The default settings are suitable for everyone, but to eliminate its fragmentation, you can make it static so that it works even faster.

Often, for storing data, the system disk is divided in two, so that the games of the application program documents are stored on one, and only the operating system on the other. Therefore, when dividing, it is necessary to correctly calculate the size for Windows since, having incorrectly selected the amount of memory, the operating system itself will not install (in case of a shortage). When the division process was successfully completed and you installed the OS, then the paging file must be on the same drive as Windows, otherwise it may not work correctly. Well, for those who have one hard drive and are not afraid for their data, you can make a separate partition, up to about 2 GB. After that, you need to convert this section to the FAT32 file system, but we will replace the same one that you only need to do this for the section where your swap file will be stored. After that, defragment the partition and use it only for this purpose.

Read a few tips:

- In order to increase the speed of your operating system, you do not need to increase the size of the swap file, but increase the RAM, at least up to 3 GB, this is the standard

- Each operating system independently sets the default paging file size. Usually it is equal to the installed size of RAM and plus another 300 MB. As for the maximum size, it exceeds the installed amount of RAM on the computer by about three times.

- After you change the settings of the swap file, you should reboot. But rebooting is carried out only if you reduced these parameters, but if on the contrary you made an increase, then you can not use the reboot.

- Many use Windows XP. This operating system supports today's standard of 3 GB. If you have installed more than 1 GB of RAM, then you can disable the use of the swap file, since it, in fact, is not needed. But always, if necessary, you can turn on his work again. But, if you use Windows Vista, then you should not do anything with this file. Since after some changes you will be able to receive a message when starting that that to start, you do not have enough virtual memory. You never need to delete these files yourself; think about how they may interfere with you, so only in case of emergency change something in your system, and so, you should not go into the configuration, especially without basic preparation.

The swap file is the pagefile.sys file on the hard disk used by Windows with insufficient RAM. By default, the operating system automatically adjusts its size, and editing this parameter is not required. However, in some cases, self-tuning (increasing, decreasing, or disabling) the swap file can increase system performance.

Before resizing or disabling the swap file, I recommend reading the article to the end, because its change, in some cases, may to lower Windows XP / 7 performance.

The fact is that in this case, large size is not good. Quite the contrary, if the file size is too large, Windows will run slower. With a large file size, the system often accesses not RAM, but pagefile.sys, which is located on the hard drive. And, as you know, the speed of reading from disk is much lower than from RAM, therefore, a large swap file slows down the computer and additionally loads the hard drive (which also reduces performance).

The optimal size of the swap file depends on the amount of RAM, I adhere to the following table:

For Windows XP:

512 MB RAM - 2048 MB
1 GB of RAM - 1312 MB
2 GB RAM - 1024 MB
4 GB RAM - 512 MB

For Windows 7:

512 MB RAM - 2560 MB
1 GB of RAM - 1536 MB
2 GB of RAM - 1312 MB
4 GB of RAM - 768 MB
\u003e 6 GB of RAM - no swap file

That is, the more RAM, the smaller the swap file size should be, so do not rush to increase it, it is better to use the table and select its optimal value.

How to increase the swap file

We right-click on “My Computer” and go to “Properties” - “Advanced” - “Performance”. Next, go to "Options" - "Advanced" - "Virtual memory" - "Change."

Select "Custom Size" and set the desired values \u200b\u200bin the "Original Size" and "Maximum Size" fields, click "Set."

How to disable the page file

Using the right mouse button, click on “My Computer” in “Properties” - “Advanced” - “Performance”. Next, in “Options” - “Advanced” - “Virtual memory” and click “Change”.

Alternately select the drives and click "No swap file" - "Set". After the page file is disabled on all drives, click OK. The changes will take effect after the computer restarts.

How to transfer a swap file to another drive

Here the algorithm of actions is as follows:

Right-click on “My computer” - “Properties” - “Advanced” - “Speed” - “Parameters” - “Advanced” - “Virtual memory” - “Change”;
Select the disk on which the file is currently located, and click "No swap file";
Next, click on the “Set” button and confirm the action in the window that opens;
Select the drive to which you want to transfer the swap file;
We select one of the operating modes: the size of the choice of the system (automatic paging file size) or a special size (the size is set by the user);
To save changes, click "Set", close all windows with the OK button, and restart the computer.

Paging file optimization

If the computer uses only one hard drive, then the swap file should be located on the first partition;
If two or more drives are used, it is better to transfer the file to the fastest disk;
It is not recommended to create a file on several logical partitions of the same drive. This will noticeably reduce system performance;
If you have multiple drives, it is not recommended to use old hard drive models for the swap file - this will also reduce the speed of the computer.

Hello dear blog readers. I bring to your attention an article about increasing the swap file. From this material you will also learn what is a page file (virtual memory, pagefile.sys) and what is it used for.

Users who make the most of their computer’s capabilities have probably come across more than once when a message like the following appears on the screen or in the tray “ Free virtual memory is running out" What does this mean?

Everyone knows that on a computer (or rather, in the slots of the motherboard) a certain amount of RAM is installed. The volume can vary from 521 MB to 16 GB or more. The RAM stores the code of the programs that the processor works with. Sometimes situations arise when free (that is, not occupied by other applications) RAM has less volume than is necessary for a certain program to work.

In such situations, the operating system swap file used (another name is virtual memory). What is a swap file and how does it work.

Swap file is technology, which allows you to slightly mitigate the problem of lack of RAM. If free memory runs out, part of the unused data is transferred from the system memory to a special file called pagefile.sys located on the hard disk, freeing up, therefore, the necessary amount of RAM to accommodate the program with which the processor will currently work.

Using a swap file is relevant if the user is working with resource-intensive programs (for example, applications for processing video, graphics, etc.).

Swap file size can be changed (increase / decrease) and today we’ll look at how to do this for the Windows 7 and Windows XP operating systems.

Swap file extension for Windows XP

1. Press the key combination Win + Break on the keyboard (the blog also has information about others and). The "System Properties" window opens. Go to the "Advanced" tab.

Figure 1. Swap file extension for Windows XP.

2. On this tab, click on the button for the parameters of the "Performance" section. The Performance Options window opens.

Fig 2. Performance parameters.

3. Go to the "Advanced" tab and click the "Change" button opposite the words "Total size of the paging file on all drives." The "Virtual memory" window opens, which is used to increase / decrease / disable the swap file.

Figure 3. Virtual memory.

4. In this window, you can control the swap file:

- manually set the size of the swap file for any local hard drive disk (Special size);

- automatic detection of the swap file by the operating system (Size at the choice of the system);

- disable the swap file (No swap file).

When we set the size of the page file, you need to click the "Set" button, and then Ok. The swap file expansion operation for Windows XP is complete. You must restart your computer.