pagefile increase?

[decibelle]

I've updated my computer's memory a couple of times, from 1 to 2 GB, then to 3.5, without ever changing the pagefile size. I use several memory-intensive programs on a daily basis. It's running pretty well, but could be better. I've read both that the pagefile size should be 1.5x the amount of memory, but also that too large a file can actually impair performance. Can anyone tell me whether I should increase the pagefile size or not?

Thanks,
Ellen (XP 2002 Home SP3)

[JoeP517]

If you are using memory intensive programs your pagefile will likely be used more than for other users. The 1.5x RAM is still the default Microsoft uses when you let Windows manage the pagefile. Without monitoring what your usage is there is no good recommendation that can be made. See Page file performance monitoring for more information.

Joe

[Roderunner]

Hi Ellen, did you make sure you computer is capable of using the amount of RAM you installed.? My Desktop can only use 2GB maximum.

RR.png

[satrow]

Unless you see the popup "Windows is increasing your virtual memory ... ", with the associated crippling of the computer for several minutes, I'd leave it as is.

[Paul T]

Set you page file to "system managed size" and forgetaboutit. Windows will work the rest out for you.

cheers, Paul

[decibelle]

Roderunner: "Hi Ellen, did you make sure you computer is capable of using the amount of RAM you installed.? My Desktop can only use 2GB maximum."

Yes, thanks; I did a crucial scan. What's more, I did notice an improvement with each upgrade.

Joe: "Without monitoring what your usage is there is no good recommendation that can be made. See Page file performance monitoring for more information."

I tried to follow those instruction:
Click [Start] [Run], type mmc and click [OK] to create a MMC with no snap-in.
Click [File] [Add/Remove Snap-In...]
Click [Add] to open the Add Standalone Snap-In window.
Click [ActiveX Control] and click [Add] to open the ActiveX Control Wizard and click [Next]
Set the Control Category dropdown to All Categories
Under Control Type, scroll down and select System Monitor Control and click [Next]
Name the control Paging File Monitor or a name of your choice.
Click [Finish] [Close] [OK] to return to the console.
In the right hand pane, click the plus (+) sign to open the Add Counters dialog box shown below.

But when I got to that last one, there was no right pane or plus sign, so I don't know what to do next. Any advice?

Thanks,
Ellen

[Roderunner]

Hi Ellen, read this link. http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.c...d=1590&page=10

[CLiNT]

If your PF is being managed by the operating system then a memory upgrade will have initiated a change in the PF size based on the upgrade.
If you have previously set a PF then you may need to increase it manually in relation to the new total system RAM.

recommend you let the system manage it.