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memory problem RAM gets bare



 
 
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  #1  
Old May 25th 05, 10:16 AM
Michael
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default memory problem RAM gets bare

Hello everybody,

my problem is:

After running Windows a while and open and close many programs or surfing
the net and i don't close the browser (indifferent which one), the free
amount of RAM goes to zero percent. The system freezes, i get dislpay
errors, of course (!?!).

If i close the programs, i get back some free RAM but not enough and the
problem starts from scratch.

Besides, i want to play DRM protected WMV files and WMP crashes with a
error message that is caused by too less memory.

I upgraded my RAM from 256 MB to 512 MB, it didn't change anything!!!

I want to prevent a reinstallation.

Swap file is set to 1024 MB.

I turned on System monitor. Here are the results, i can't do anything with
it.

Kernel processor usage: 100%
Kernel threads: 233
Kernel virtual machines: 1
Memory-Manager: outsourceable (?) memory: 258 MB - goes downwards
Memory-Manager: used by swap file: 96 MB - gos to zero
Memory-Manager: locked memory: 117 MB - goes upwards
Memory-Manager: not used RAM: 213 MB - goes downwards
Memory-Manager: reserved memory: 528 MB -goes up
Memory-Manager: miscellaneous memory: 270 MB -goes up
Memory-Manager: from cache memory allocated pages: 1,8 kB
Memory-Manager: damaged in swap file: 0
Memory-Manager: size of swap file: 1024 MB
Memory-Manager: size of disc cache memory: 62 MB -goes up
Memory-Manager: instances error: 0
Memory-Manager: page errors: 33 average, peak 50

Sorry, i have a german windows version and don't know the english technical
terms.

Does anybody know this phenomen and has a solution for it?

I'm very experienced and don't have problems to "screw in the gear" of
windows if necessary.

Regards
Michael


  #2  
Old May 25th 05, 10:38 AM
Mike M
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

What you call "free RAM" shouldn't in itself be a problem and as you've
already found from increasing the amount of RAM on your system Win Me has
a pretty good memory manager which will attempt to find a use for every
byte of RAM it can access even if only to cache copies of the most recent
files you have accessed.

You clearly have problems but I suspect you are concentrating on the wrong
area. Your problem could be one of lack of resources (this refers to two
small fixed size 64k stacks used by legacy applications and libraries) or
some other problem. I would suggest at this point forgetting about RAM
problems and looking elsewhere and making a careful note of all error
message you are seeing such as the display errors you mention.
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP



Michael wrote:

Hello everybody,

my problem is:

After running Windows a while and open and close many programs or
surfing the net and i don't close the browser (indifferent which
one), the free amount of RAM goes to zero percent. The system
freezes, i get dislpay errors, of course (!?!).

If i close the programs, i get back some free RAM but not enough and
the problem starts from scratch.

Besides, i want to play DRM protected WMV files and WMP crashes with
a error message that is caused by too less memory.

I upgraded my RAM from 256 MB to 512 MB, it didn't change anything!!!

I want to prevent a reinstallation.

Swap file is set to 1024 MB.

I turned on System monitor. Here are the results, i can't do anything
with it.

Kernel processor usage: 100%
Kernel threads: 233
Kernel virtual machines: 1
Memory-Manager: outsourceable (?) memory: 258 MB - goes downwards
Memory-Manager: used by swap file: 96 MB - gos to zero
Memory-Manager: locked memory: 117 MB - goes upwards
Memory-Manager: not used RAM: 213 MB - goes downwards
Memory-Manager: reserved memory: 528 MB -goes up
Memory-Manager: miscellaneous memory: 270 MB -goes up
Memory-Manager: from cache memory allocated pages: 1,8 kB
Memory-Manager: damaged in swap file: 0
Memory-Manager: size of swap file: 1024 MB
Memory-Manager: size of disc cache memory: 62 MB -goes up
Memory-Manager: instances error: 0
Memory-Manager: page errors: 33 average, peak 50

Sorry, i have a german windows version and don't know the english
technical terms.

Does anybody know this phenomen and has a solution for it?

I'm very experienced and don't have problems to "screw in the gear" of
windows if necessary.

Regards
Michael


  #3  
Old May 25th 05, 01:14 PM
Michael
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I don't get any further error messages, that is the problem.

I would be happy if there were one, but probably it would be a blue screen
and then nobody can help and i have to reinstall anyway.



  #4  
Old May 25th 05, 01:29 PM
Mike M
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Blue screens usually include an error message or code. What are you
reinstalling following a blue screen? I've never heard of someone having
to reinstall just because they blue screen. One thing you should do is
check your video and audio drivers and ensure they are up to date and Win
Me compatible. Check for the latest versions on the manufacturers' web
sites.
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP



Michael wrote:

I don't get any further error messages, that is the problem.

I would be happy if there were one, but probably it would be a blue
screen and then nobody can help and i have to reinstall anyway.


  #5  
Old May 25th 05, 03:46 PM
Jack E Martinelli
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Michael wrote: "Swap file is set to 1024 MB. "
"Memory-Manager: used by swap file: 96 MB - gos to
zero"

Perhaps the most useful item in the MS System Monitor is the "Swapfile in
Use". It is best if this measure remains below ca. 10 MB, as one works
normally. When doing so, all program memory is in the installed memory, not
on the swapfile, where it is far slower.

Michael has limited the maximum size of the swapfile, always a bad choice,
in usual circumstances.
This file can grow to ca. 2.1 GB under WinME, when necessary. By setting a
maximum lower than 2.1 GB, a system failure may be caused.

It is far better, for most users, just to let Windows manage the swapfile.
It is better still, to create a 2.1 GB, 4 KB cluster size, partition at the
head of a second, fast HD and allocate it to the swapfile. Disk access to
the OS files and the swapfile is now maximized for better performance.
--
Jack E. Martinelli 2002-05 MS MVP for Shell/User / DTS
Help us help you: http://www.dts-L.org/goodpost.htm
In Memorium: Alex Nichol
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...ts/nichol.mspx
Your cooperation is very appreciated.
------
"Mike M" wrote in message
...
Blue screens usually include an error message or code. What are you
reinstalling following a blue screen? I've never heard of someone having
to reinstall just because they blue screen. One thing you should do is
check your video and audio drivers and ensure they are up to date and Win
Me compatible. Check for the latest versions on the manufacturers' web
sites.
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP



Michael wrote:

I don't get any further error messages, that is the problem.

I would be happy if there were one, but probably it would be a blue
screen and then nobody can help and i have to reinstall anyway.




  #6  
Old May 25th 05, 08:41 PM
Ron Martell
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

"Michael" wrote:

Hello everybody,

my problem is:

After running Windows a while and open and close many programs or surfing
the net and i don't close the browser (indifferent which one), the free
amount of RAM goes to zero percent. The system freezes, i get dislpay
errors, of course (!?!).

If i close the programs, i get back some free RAM but not enough and the
problem starts from scratch.

Besides, i want to play DRM protected WMV files and WMP crashes with a
error message that is caused by too less memory.

I upgraded my RAM from 256 MB to 512 MB, it didn't change anything!!!

I want to prevent a reinstallation.

Swap file is set to 1024 MB.

I turned on System monitor. Here are the results, i can't do anything with
it.

Kernel processor usage: 100%
Kernel threads: 233
Kernel virtual machines: 1
Memory-Manager: outsourceable (?) memory: 258 MB - goes downwards
Memory-Manager: used by swap file: 96 MB - gos to zero
Memory-Manager: locked memory: 117 MB - goes upwards
Memory-Manager: not used RAM: 213 MB - goes downwards
Memory-Manager: reserved memory: 528 MB -goes up
Memory-Manager: miscellaneous memory: 270 MB -goes up
Memory-Manager: from cache memory allocated pages: 1,8 kB
Memory-Manager: damaged in swap file: 0
Memory-Manager: size of swap file: 1024 MB
Memory-Manager: size of disc cache memory: 62 MB -goes up
Memory-Manager: instances error: 0
Memory-Manager: page errors: 33 average, peak 50

Sorry, i have a german windows version and don't know the english technical
terms.

Does anybody know this phenomen and has a solution for it?

I'm very experienced and don't have problems to "screw in the gear" of
windows if necessary.

Regards
Michael


#1. Never repeat never specify a maximum size limit for the virtual
memory swap file in Windows 95/98/Me. There is no benefit that can
ever be achieved by doing this. The only possible outcomes, in order
of decreasing probability and increasing severity, a
- Reduced performance as your system reduces disk cache in order to
meet the total memory needs of your loaded applications and data
files.
- Applications refusing to load due to "insufficient memory" errors.
- Applications crashing due to "out of memory" errors resulting in
loss of data and possible corruption of data files.
- Total system lockups or crashes due to "out of memory" errors
resulting in loss of data and possible file corruption.

All of the benefits purportedly achieved by having a fixed or
permanent swap file can in fact be obtained by specifying a minimum
size only.

#2: Are your problems perhaps also related to System Resources, as
reported in Control Panel - System - Performance or by the Resource
Meter utility? See http://www.onlinehelp.bc.ca/tips.htm#resources and
http://www.aumha.org/win4/a/resource.htm for information about System
Resources.

One of the best ways to improve the value of free System Resources is
to reduce the number of background "tools and toys" (a.k.a. crap and
corruption) that gets loaded when the computer starts up. Use Start -
Run - MSCONFIG and go to the Startup tab. Compare the list of items
that are loading at startup with the following checklist web sites to
see what can be safely dispensed with:

http://www2.whidbey.com/djdenham/Uncheck.htm
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php
http://www.3feetunder.com/krick/startup/list.html - has trojan related
items listed

Note: Please ensure that you fully understand the purpose of a
startup item, how and why it was put into the startup, and the
consequences (if any) of removing it before you make any changes.
Some items are very important for the proper and safe functioning of
your computer, including at least one item that is listed twice.

Disabling an item by unchecking it in MSCONFIG should only be done for
testing purposes or as a "last resort" when no other way of getting
rid of the unwanted item can be found.


#3: Have you double checked your system for possible viruses and
spyware? Get a "second opinion" regarding possible viruses from one
of the following free online virus scanners:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/
http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/

For spyware start with MVP Jim Eshelman's free online spyware scan at
http://aumha.org/a/noads.htm and then clean up the system by using
Jim's Spyware Quick Fix Procedure at
http://www.aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm


Hope this is of some assistance.

Good luck



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

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm
  #7  
Old May 25th 05, 08:43 PM
Noel Paton
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I have a sneaky suspicion that Michael is running some kind of 'Memory
Manager/Optimiser'


If that's the case. Michael please uninstall it NOW!!!!! - your system will
thank you for it!

--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2005, Windows)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm

http://tinyurl.com/6oztj

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's

"Mike M" wrote in message
...
Blue screens usually include an error message or code. What are you
reinstalling following a blue screen? I've never heard of someone having
to reinstall just because they blue screen. One thing you should do is
check your video and audio drivers and ensure they are up to date and Win
Me compatible. Check for the latest versions on the manufacturers' web
sites.
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP



Michael wrote:

I don't get any further error messages, that is the problem.

I would be happy if there were one, but probably it would be a blue
screen and then nobody can help and i have to reinstall anyway.




  #8  
Old May 25th 05, 11:39 PM
Michael
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Mike,

your optimism in all honours.

I will call you the next time when i get a blue screen error message and i
promise you that you won't be able to find the cause. I had once such a
problem and called Microsoft for help (and for two other times too) and each
time i get the suggestion to reinstall Windows completely in a new and empty
directory.

I come to this conclusion of my own.

And for the drivers: I have a Creative SB Live Digtial and there are no new
drivers for years and i updated my graphic drivers too. It doesn't change
anything at all.

The cause lies somewhere else, but thanks for thinking of it.


"Mike M" schrieb im Newsbeitrag
...
Blue screens usually include an error message or code. What are you
reinstalling following a blue screen? I've never heard of someone having
to reinstall just because they blue screen. One thing you should do is
check your video and audio drivers and ensure they are up to date and Win
Me compatible. Check for the latest versions on the manufacturers' web
sites.
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP



Michael wrote:

I don't get any further error messages, that is the problem.

I would be happy if there were one, but probably it would be a blue
screen and then nobody can help and i have to reinstall anyway.




  #9  
Old May 25th 05, 11:46 PM
Michael
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

No, i have no memory optimizers running/installed and

no, it's not a performance problem. Windows freezes and doesn't execute any
further commands. I have the resources displayer running and i can see how
the green bars get less, get yellow, then comes the message from the program
"Almost 90% of the system resources are used. Try to ...bla bla" then they
get red until they finally disappear.

I remember that i read an article in a pc magazine and there's said that the
swap file should have the x more size of installed RAM.

So excuse me, but 2 GB swap file seems too much for 512 MB RAM to me.


"Noel Paton" schrieb im Newsbeitrag
...
I have a sneaky suspicion that Michael is running some kind of 'Memory
Manager/Optimiser'


If that's the case. Michael please uninstall it NOW!!!!! - your system

will
thank you for it!

--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2005, Windows)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm

http://tinyurl.com/6oztj

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's

"Mike M" wrote in message
...
Blue screens usually include an error message or code. What are you
reinstalling following a blue screen? I've never heard of someone

having
to reinstall just because they blue screen. One thing you should do is
check your video and audio drivers and ensure they are up to date and

Win
Me compatible. Check for the latest versions on the manufacturers' web
sites.
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP



Michael wrote:

I don't get any further error messages, that is the problem.

I would be happy if there were one, but probably it would be a blue
screen and then nobody can help and i have to reinstall anyway.






  #10  
Old May 25th 05, 11:53 PM
Michael
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Ok guys, i will give it a try: I release the max size of swap file to
Windows and will see if s.th. changes.

I report tomorrow.


"Noel Paton" schrieb im Newsbeitrag
...
I have a sneaky suspicion that Michael is running some kind of 'Memory
Manager/Optimiser'


If that's the case. Michael please uninstall it NOW!!!!! - your system

will
thank you for it!

--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2005, Windows)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm

http://tinyurl.com/6oztj

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's

"Mike M" wrote in message
...
Blue screens usually include an error message or code. What are you
reinstalling following a blue screen? I've never heard of someone

having
to reinstall just because they blue screen. One thing you should do is
check your video and audio drivers and ensure they are up to date and

Win
Me compatible. Check for the latest versions on the manufacturers' web
sites.
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP



Michael wrote:

I don't get any further error messages, that is the problem.

I would be happy if there were one, but probably it would be a blue
screen and then nobody can help and i have to reinstall anyway.






 




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