73 replies to this topic

[Berton]

I use Crucial the most, they're in the next state over and quick delivery.

[Man'n'Black-4xp]

Quote

It reports correctly.
1.5GB is more than plenty fro XP, so you're fine.

Update: yes this amount 'works' but 2 months later I am sluggish, when 'power' browsing or gaming {offline}.
I need to get back to 2gb or more, where is that dang money tree at?

[lobita68]

I don't know if I'm allowed to join the party or not, but I have a question: If I have 512 MB RAM, can I set the pagefile to 1512 minimum and 3000 maximum? Or is it the maximum that can be 1.5 times the RAM? (I just did a factory reset and I'm trying to rebuild my files and programs. It is so slow now!) Thanks. Sorry for the intrusion.

[Broni]

You should set max and min to the same amount. 768MB in your case.
Much better option would be to get another 512MB of real RAM.

[lobita68]

Okay, thanks. I can't afford to buy more RAM so I was hoping for a "quick fix". Guess I'll just have to grin and bear it until I can do it the right way. It's a card that I have to actually insert into the laptop, right? Not something that can be downloaded?

[Broni]

Do you mean RAM?

[lobita68]

Yes. I have to buy a RAM card, right?

[Berton]

RAM/Random Access Memory is also known as memory modules, the printed circuit cards with black chips that store what is being worked on.

RAM is volatile, it stores data only as long as the computer is working, it is cleared out when rebooting or shutting down.

The limit on the size of the paging file [Virtual Memory] is how much room you have on the HDD/Hard Disk Drive, it is a file that doesn't get deleted until changes are made in Virtual Memory. I go with the recommended 1.5 times the physical RAM and whenever possible put it on a second physical HDD [not a second partition on the only HDD].

As recommended above, set both to the same then the file doesn't keep getting bits and pieces scattered across the HDD.

[Broni]

You can check what your computer would take and how much will it cost here: http://www.crucial.com/index.aspx

[lobita68]

Berton, on 19 June 2011 - 04:07 AM, said:

As recommended above, set both to the same then the file doesn't keep getting bits and pieces scattered across the HDD.

Thanks for the information. Is that one of the causes of fragmentation? Forgive my ignorance- I'm a whiz at any program that's ever been thrown at me, but never really been educated on the "insides". I am learning the hard way, but I believe that's the best way to learn, sometimes. I won't likely forget some of the issues I've been through in the last couple of months.
Thanks for the link and all the other help you've given me, Broni! I appreciate all the time you all put into helping people like me.

[lobita68]

Sorry, but I have another question. The scan said I have two 256MB cards in place now and suggested removing them and adding two 512MB cards. Right now I'm to broke to pay attention, so can I just replace one card or do the cards have to be equal? Also, aren't there four card slots? If so, can I add one 512MB card?

[Broni]

Quote

Is that one of the causes of fragmentation?

No. To keep all data written to a hard drive in a neat order, you should run, once in a while, Disk Defragmenter (Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Disk Defragmenter). In Vista and Windows 7 it's not necessary, because defragmenter runs in a background by default.

As for your RAM, it depends. Sometimes, you can add/replace 1 RAM module, sometimes, if your computer uses, so called, dual channel RAM, you should add/replace RAM in pairs.
You can find out by going to your computer manufacturer website, or checking at crucial.com.

[Man'n'Black-4xp]

lobita68 You are a genius!
They stopped talking sports for five minutes!...LoL

F.Y.I. XP fragments, as water flows down hill, can't be avoided {short of powering down}
Just grin and bear it and defrag as Mr. B. says

[lobita68]

Man'n'Black-4xp, on 20 June 2011 - 03:37 AM, said:

lobita68 You are a genius!
They stopped talking sports for five minutes!...LoL

Why, thank you kind sir!