"Steve Wade" wrote:


Hi guys, I need some insight into Win98se memory issues.

I am about to fit an extra 512mb of memory to a Win98se system.

1) Can the Win98se utilize the memory?

Probably, unless you already have 512 mb or more of RAM installed.
Hardware related memory problems (unfixable) with Windows 98 can start
once you get beyond 1 gb total.


2) Does limiting the Vcache to 512mb have the same result as if I just
removed the extra memory altogether, or can the extra memory be utilized by
the AGP, say?

The Vcache limit only affects the amount that can be used for disk
cache. The full amount of the installed RAM is still fully available
for use by Windows components, applications programs, and/or user data
files.


One additional point is with regard to the potential benefit of
installing the additional 512 mb. Adding more memory can noticeably
improve performance only if the added memory results in reduced usage
of the virtual memory swap file. Therefore if the swap file is not
currently being used to any significant extent then adding more memory
will not provide a significant improvement.

Before installing more RAM use the System Monitor utility that comes
with Windows and use Edit - Add to set it to track "Memory manager:
Swap file in use" for several days of normal to heavy usage. If "Swap
file in use" regularly shows as 20 mb or more then the swap file is
being used extensively and more memory would result in improved
performance. Otherwise it is not likely to make any noticeable
difference.

This applies regardless of how much or how little RAM is currently
installed in the computer.


Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."