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RAM memory allocation



 
 
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  #1  
Old October 19th 04, 11:33 PM
HiTekMom
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default RAM memory allocation

I'm running WinME and have 1.2GB of memory.
Though my system recogize the full 1.2GB, when I run a mem in DOS the total
conventional reads 640K with 580K Free.
In the Extended (XMS) column it reads 65,535K total with 1,309,26 Free.

How can I allocate more of the XMS to utilize my 1.2GB? I'm not able to run
many programs at once due to freezing. I have an antivirs, spysweeper and a
firewall wall running. I tried to remove all that I knew to remore in the
msconfig/startup.
When I'm in N7 with Outlook Express running, my resources are down to 46%
free.

Why isn't my system utilizing 1.2GB properly? Are my 2-512K mem sticks
defective?

Thx for any help that I may receive.

HiTekMom
(a.k.a. Mocha Martha Stewart)


  #2  
Old October 20th 04, 12:24 AM
Mike M
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Since you say you have 1.2GB of RAM have you made the necessary changes to
system.ini so as to limit vcache to 512MB? If not then you are heading
for problems. BTW you mention 1.2GB but I suspect you mean 1.0GB
(2x412MB).

Win Me, like previous Win 9x operating systems can handle up to 2GB of RAM
however if you have more than 512MB it is essential to limit the virtual
cache to no more than 512MB as follows:
To limit vcache, open system.ini and add the lines
[VCache]
MaxFileCache=512000
Note that this will still mean that all memory is available to
applications but is simply limiting the amount used as virtual cache
memory See KB 253912 - ""Out of Memory" Error Messages with Large
Amounts of RAM Installed" (http://support.microsoft.com?kbid=253912).

As for the output of the MEM command when run in a DOS window this tells
you nothing about how Win Me is using memory but instead just that of the
DOS window. What actual memory problems are you having? Post details and
someone will hopefully be able to help.

Resources have nothing to do with memory but instead refer to two small
64KB, yes KB, stacks used to store 16 bit pointers used by 16 bit
applications and libraries. The size of these stacks is fixed, cannot be
altered and is intrinsic to the design of all Win 9x based operating
systems. To increase free resources you need to a) reduce the number of
applications being launched each time you boot your PC, and b) close
rather than minimise unused applications.

A good place to look to for advice as to which programs need to be run at
startup and those that can be safely disabled, is Pacman's site where he
lists what should definitely be retained and which can be safely removed
from the startup axis (http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_index.htm).
Reducing such applications and only starting them when required can free
up significant resources. Note though that before disabling any
application that you make yourself fully aware of its purpose and
understand what the consequences might be, if any, of disabling it at
start up.
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP



HiTekMom wrote:

I'm running WinME and have 1.2GB of memory.
Though my system recogize the full 1.2GB, when I run a mem in DOS the
total conventional reads 640K with 580K Free.
In the Extended (XMS) column it reads 65,535K total with 1,309,26
Free.

How can I allocate more of the XMS to utilize my 1.2GB? I'm not able
to run many programs at once due to freezing. I have an antivirs,
spysweeper and a firewall wall running. I tried to remove all that I
knew to remore in the msconfig/startup.
When I'm in N7 with Outlook Express running, my resources are down to
46% free.

Why isn't my system utilizing 1.2GB properly? Are my 2-512K mem sticks
defective?

Thx for any help that I may receive.

HiTekMom
(a.k.a. Mocha Martha Stewart)


  #3  
Old October 20th 04, 01:13 AM
Ron Martell
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

"HiTekMom" wrote:

I'm running WinME and have 1.2GB of memory.
Though my system recogize the full 1.2GB, when I run a mem in DOS the total
conventional reads 640K with 580K Free.
In the Extended (XMS) column it reads 65,535K total with 1,309,26 Free.


MS-DOS, including the MS-DOS emulator included with Windows Me, is not
capable of using more than 64 mb of RAM and therefore that is all that
is reported by the MEM command.

This has no relationship to how much RAM Windows can use.

Open My Computer - System - General and see how much RAM is being
reported there. If that shows the full 1.2 gb (or possibly a few MB
less if your motherboard has integrated video) then all is well.

Good luck


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

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."
  #4  
Old October 20th 04, 01:37 AM
The Rascento Family
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Ron,

My system reads, via MyComputer, Performance Tab: 1280.0MB.

So, you are saying that even though I have over 1GB of memory, I'll still
get freezes in some apps if I have too many open?

- HiTekMom

"Ron Martell" wrote in message
...
"HiTekMom" wrote:

I'm running WinME and have 1.2GB of memory.
Though my system recogize the full 1.2GB, when I run a mem in DOS the

total
conventional reads 640K with 580K Free.
In the Extended (XMS) column it reads 65,535K total with 1,309,26 Free.


MS-DOS, including the MS-DOS emulator included with Windows Me, is not
capable of using more than 64 mb of RAM and therefore that is all that
is reported by the MEM command.

This has no relationship to how much RAM Windows can use.

Open My Computer - System - General and see how much RAM is being
reported there. If that shows the full 1.2 gb (or possibly a few MB
less if your motherboard has integrated video) then all is well.

Good luck


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

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."



  #5  
Old October 20th 04, 01:55 AM
The Rascento Family
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Mike,

My systems reads 1280.0MB. That calculates to 1.2GB. I have 2(512K) and the
2 (128K) base mem that came with the system. I'm going to run through the
vcache as you describe below because I believe WinMe is having a problem
because of the accessive memory.
I'm not sure of the process you describe, but I will research more. However,
I did try to increase the virtual memory in the Systems Properties, but was
unsuccesful.

How do I open the systems.ini file?

Thx much,
If you need more info on my system to be able to give correct diagnoses, pls
let me know.
"Mike M" wrote in message
...
Since you say you have 1.2GB of RAM have you made the necessary changes to
system.ini so as to limit vcache to 512MB? If not then you are heading
for problems. BTW you mention 1.2GB but I suspect you mean 1.0GB
(2x412MB).

Win Me, like previous Win 9x operating systems can handle up to 2GB of RAM
however if you have more than 512MB it is essential to limit the virtual
cache to no more than 512MB as follows:
To limit vcache, open system.ini and add the lines
[VCache]
MaxFileCache=512000
Note that this will still mean that all memory is available to
applications but is simply limiting the amount used as virtual cache
memory See KB 253912 - ""Out of Memory" Error Messages with Large
Amounts of RAM Installed" (http://support.microsoft.com?kbid=253912).

As for the output of the MEM command when run in a DOS window this tells
you nothing about how Win Me is using memory but instead just that of the
DOS window. What actual memory problems are you having? Post details and
someone will hopefully be able to help.

Resources have nothing to do with memory but instead refer to two small
64KB, yes KB, stacks used to store 16 bit pointers used by 16 bit
applications and libraries. The size of these stacks is fixed, cannot be
altered and is intrinsic to the design of all Win 9x based operating
systems. To increase free resources you need to a) reduce the number of
applications being launched each time you boot your PC, and b) close
rather than minimise unused applications.

A good place to look to for advice as to which programs need to be run at
startup and those that can be safely disabled, is Pacman's site where he
lists what should definitely be retained and which can be safely removed
from the startup axis (http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_index.htm).
Reducing such applications and only starting them when required can free
up significant resources. Note though that before disabling any
application that you make yourself fully aware of its purpose and
understand what the consequences might be, if any, of disabling it at
start up.
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP



HiTekMom wrote:

I'm running WinME and have 1.2GB of memory.
Though my system recogize the full 1.2GB, when I run a mem in DOS the
total conventional reads 640K with 580K Free.
In the Extended (XMS) column it reads 65,535K total with 1,309,26
Free.

How can I allocate more of the XMS to utilize my 1.2GB? I'm not able
to run many programs at once due to freezing. I have an antivirs,
spysweeper and a firewall wall running. I tried to remove all that I
knew to remore in the msconfig/startup.
When I'm in N7 with Outlook Express running, my resources are down to
46% free.

Why isn't my system utilizing 1.2GB properly? Are my 2-512K mem sticks
defective?

Thx for any help that I may receive.

HiTekMom
(a.k.a. Mocha Martha Stewart)




  #6  
Old October 20th 04, 02:00 AM
Mike M
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

What freezes? Can you provide some details as this is something you
didn't mention in your original post. Again though I have to ask have you
limited vcache to 512MB as explained in my earlier post? If not you are
going to have problems. Period.
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP [2001-2005]



The Rascento Family wrote:

Ron,

My system reads, via MyComputer, Performance Tab: 1280.0MB.

So, you are saying that even though I have over 1GB of memory, I'll
still get freezes in some apps if I have too many open?


  #7  
Old October 20th 04, 02:07 AM
Mike M
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I said nothing about virtual memory. Let windows handle that. What I
said was that you needed to limit the virtual cache to no more than 512MB.
My post explained what you need to do and also gave you a reference to the
Knowledge base article that also explains the problem.

You can edit system.ini as follows:
Either, using MSConfig (Start, Run, enter MSConfig in the box and click
OK):
Open the System.ini tab
Highlight the line [vcache]
Click New
An empty box will open up to the right of a checked check box
Insert in the box:
MaxFileCache=512000
Click OK

Alternatively,
Locate the file system.ini in your windows folder. Use Windows Explorer.
Select the file and double click to open in Notepad, add the line:
MaxFileCache=512000
to the [vcache] section
Then Save.

So you have 2x512MB and 2x128MB rather than just the 2x512MB of RAM you
mentioned in your earlier post. That explains the 1280MB you mention
(which is 1.25GB).
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP [2001-2005]



The Rascento Family wrote:

My systems reads 1280.0MB. That calculates to 1.2GB. I have 2(512K)
and the 2 (128K) base mem that came with the system. I'm going to run
through the vcache as you describe below because I believe WinMe is
having a problem because of the accessive memory.
I'm not sure of the process you describe, but I will research more.
However, I did try to increase the virtual memory in the Systems
Properties, but was unsuccesful.

How do I open the systems.ini file?

Thx much,
If you need more info on my system to be able to give correct
diagnoses, pls let me know.


  #8  
Old October 20th 04, 05:05 AM
HiTekMom
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Mike,

Thank you very much for your patience. I have printed your first response
and am studying it. I am reading over the links that you've posted and am
trying to get an understanding. I will follow the steps you have provided
and will let you know the outcome.

What freezes are my Earthlink mailbox and IE. I've since changed my mailbox
to Outlook Express, but am using N7 instead of IE. Macromedia Fireworks
refuse to open if I have several windows open, ie, N7, Outlook plus any
more. I do understand the problems WinMe could have if I have too much
memory. It's vcashing I need to learn more about. And thx to you I'm on the
road to doing so.

As far as my continuing to have the problem, you are right. Even though I've
reformated my harddrive, I recently experienced the same error msg recv'd
before the reformat msg: "Dangerously low on resources".

Thx again,

HiTekMom

"Mike M" wrote in message
...
What freezes? Can you provide some details as this is something you
didn't mention in your original post. Again though I have to ask have you
limited vcache to 512MB as explained in my earlier post? If not you are
going to have problems. Period.
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP [2001-2005]



The Rascento Family wrote:

Ron,

My system reads, via MyComputer, Performance Tab: 1280.0MB.

So, you are saying that even though I have over 1GB of memory, I'll
still get freezes in some apps if I have too many open?




  #9  
Old October 20th 04, 05:14 AM
Jerry
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

As you have more than 1.0Gb of RAM you need to make more than one edit to
SYSTEM.INI

For RAM 512Mb

[VCACHE]
MaxFileCache=524288

For RAM 1.0Gb

[386ENH]
MaxPhysPage=40000

I used MaxFileCache of 524288 because that is the binary value, using 512000
is decimal. And I used it when runningWinME on my system with 2.0Gb of RAM
and before I upgraded to XP Pro.

Jerry

"HiTekMom" wrote in message
nk.net...
Mike,

Thank you very much for your patience. I have printed your first response
and am studying it. I am reading over the links that you've posted and am
trying to get an understanding. I will follow the steps you have provided
and will let you know the outcome.

What freezes are my Earthlink mailbox and IE. I've since changed my
mailbox
to Outlook Express, but am using N7 instead of IE. Macromedia Fireworks
refuse to open if I have several windows open, ie, N7, Outlook plus any
more. I do understand the problems WinMe could have if I have too much
memory. It's vcashing I need to learn more about. And thx to you I'm on
the
road to doing so.

As far as my continuing to have the problem, you are right. Even though
I've
reformated my harddrive, I recently experienced the same error msg recv'd
before the reformat msg: "Dangerously low on resources".

Thx again,

HiTekMom

"Mike M" wrote in message
...
What freezes? Can you provide some details as this is something you
didn't mention in your original post. Again though I have to ask have
you
limited vcache to 512MB as explained in my earlier post? If not you are
going to have problems. Period.
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP [2001-2005]



The Rascento Family wrote:

Ron,

My system reads, via MyComputer, Performance Tab: 1280.0MB.

So, you are saying that even though I have over 1GB of memory, I'll
still get freezes in some apps if I have too many open?






  #10  
Old October 20th 04, 05:52 AM
HiTekMom
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Jerry,

The MaxFileCache in my system.ini file under vcache did = to 524288 before I
changed it to 512000. If that wasn't the problem, then what is your take on
my getting a "Dangerously low resources" after have open 2 or more windows.

Since I just changed the line to 512000 I have not yet tested the outcome.
Meaning I need to open several apps being, N7, Outlook Express, IE and then
I'll try Macromedia Fireworks. Before, IE ususualy freezes, Fireworks states
"Internal Error" then shortly after that I receive a "Dangerously low on
resources and ask that I specifically close one of the applications until
I've closed them all. Then if I try to reopen any one app, I receive a
"Unable to open, low on mem, pls close one or more apps [or something to
that nature]"

Thx

- HiTekMom


"Jerry" wrote in message
...
As you have more than 1.0Gb of RAM you need to make more than one edit to
SYSTEM.INI

For RAM 512Mb

[VCACHE]
MaxFileCache=524288

For RAM 1.0Gb

[386ENH]
MaxPhysPage=40000

I used MaxFileCache of 524288 because that is the binary value, using

512000
is decimal. And I used it when runningWinME on my system with 2.0Gb of RAM
and before I upgraded to XP Pro.

Jerry

"HiTekMom" wrote in message
nk.net...
Mike,

Thank you very much for your patience. I have printed your first

response
and am studying it. I am reading over the links that you've posted and

am
trying to get an understanding. I will follow the steps you have

provided
and will let you know the outcome.

What freezes are my Earthlink mailbox and IE. I've since changed my
mailbox
to Outlook Express, but am using N7 instead of IE. Macromedia Fireworks
refuse to open if I have several windows open, ie, N7, Outlook plus any
more. I do understand the problems WinMe could have if I have too much
memory. It's vcashing I need to learn more about. And thx to you I'm on
the
road to doing so.

As far as my continuing to have the problem, you are right. Even though
I've
reformated my harddrive, I recently experienced the same error msg

recv'd
before the reformat msg: "Dangerously low on resources".

Thx again,

HiTekMom

"Mike M" wrote in message
...
What freezes? Can you provide some details as this is something you
didn't mention in your original post. Again though I have to ask have
you
limited vcache to 512MB as explained in my earlier post? If not you

are
going to have problems. Period.
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP [2001-2005]



The Rascento Family wrote:

Ron,

My system reads, via MyComputer, Performance Tab: 1280.0MB.

So, you are saying that even though I have over 1GB of memory, I'll
still get freezes in some apps if I have too many open?







 




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