Swap File Doesn't Swap

[Zinzan]

Hi,

SiS Sandra is reporting very low RAM available (14%) even when only running minimul stuff (systray and explorer) This is a problem when on-line gaming 'cos I can only last about 5 minutes until all my RAM runs out. But my swapfile is shown as being virtually empty. Is there some kind of test I can run, or something I can do to see whether the RAM is writing to the hard disk when it is over-stressed or has anyone any ideas as to how to remidy the situation (NB Processor always seems to be at 100% when playing games)

Any suggestions would be brilliant !

Ta,

Zin !!!!
NB> I have just upgraded (today) to a Diamond Supra Exress to see if this would help, but have had no joy.

[BEOR999]

is the HDD near full capacity, How much RAM do you have????

[tlwhite76]

I'm a believer in keeping a large swap file. Lot's of schools of thought regarding optimal swap file size and what hard drive to put in on. I usually keep at least 400MB min/max (win98) on separate physical hard drive that doesn't run the operating system. I'm still tweaking my NT 4.0 workstation box. I run a lot of memory intensive apps and haven't ever run out of virtual memory. SoftSandra says it's too big, but what do I care. It works.

[This message has been edited by tlwhite76 (edited 01-28-2000).]

[Zinzan]

My system should be by no way full. I've recently re-installed everything.

My RAM is 128MB with 2 drives. c: 5GB and d:8GB.

And, I've tried to set Virtual Memory to the maximum, but it just eats into it straight away !!!!!!

Any other ideas ???

[ENVY]

Does your bios report your ram size correctly? Does this match the size windows is reporting? Do you have bios cache and video cache turned on in your bios?

[Zinzan]

Thanks for help so far,

My Bios reports 128MB. I've just downloaded a programme called MemMaker which allows you to free up as much memory as you like. I allocated 88MB memory before trying to play an on-line game. Man, you should have seen the RAM disapprear. It took a 45 degree nose-dive down to zero so I freed it up again to 88MB and is took the same path (and again, and again.)

Why does on-line gaming do this ?
Why does my RAM just disappear ?

Any help and I'll but that person a drink !

Cheers,

Zin !

EDIT> If you are below the age of 18, I'll buy you a bottle of cider the the loocal liquer store !!!

[This message has been edited by Zinzan (edited 01-28-2000).]

[tlwhite76]

How big is your swap file and which drive is it on?

[Steve R Jones]

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When Windows starts up, it automatically launches a number of programs for you. Some of these come from the Startup folder. Windows also looks in six other locations for files that should be launched at startup. Startup Cop helps you handle problems with programs that are automatically launched at startup by listing them and letting you disable, enable, or delete them. You can save the list of programs that are currently enabled or disabled as a profile that can be restored at a later time. Startup Cop was written by Neil J. Rubenking, and first appeared in PC Magazine April 20, 1999 (v18n08).

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[Zinzan]

Hello,
Thanks for all the replies. This is where I'm at:

I've been cleaning up somewhat as advised and I think the RAM problem is under control now and my house is in order.

However, I can't get away from having problems when playing games. The whole system slows up (even though RAM useage is only about 80MB) and my processor is always working at 100%.

Is there something that I can do ? I'm getting pretty desperate now 'cos I've run out of ideas !!! H.E.L.P.

Zin

NB I've also tried to change the vitual memory setting so I can specify my own size, but the thing always defaults back to allowing Windows to Manage it, even though when I change it, I'm told the usual "for settings to take effect you must restart your computer". After the computer has rebooted the settings are the same as they were ( is that makes sense )

[Mntsnow]

Which games are you having this problem with? Are they all "patched" with the latest updates (I know some had memory leakage problems). How have you tried to adjust your virtual memory settings?

Mntsnow

[Zinzan]

The game I would most love to play is Tiberian Sun which I have installed and re-installed loads of time. If by patched you mean the latest version, then yes, when logging on you have no choice but to upgrade it (I think the version is 1.17)

I've just bought and am running Age Of Empires which is very problamatic. The same thing happens again, with the game being OK for a few minutes and then S.L.O.W. making it unplayable.

NOTE>Another thing that just occurred to me. I remember when I installed Tomb Raider IV that the Hardware Acceleration was via "MicrosoftDirect 3D Acceleration Direct3D HAL" - with the pulldown menu giving me one other option of Core Designs own. I have an AMD 400 MHz chip with 3D NOW, so could the hardware acceleration be the problem, should it not be 3D NOW doing the acceleration or at least being there as an option ?

To change virtual memory I go:
CONTROL PANEL>SYSTEM>PERFORMANCE>VITUAL MEMORY... and change (try) it there !!!

[Mntsnow]

Hmmm...Well thats the correct place to do the virtual mem management from. Have you run a SFC lately to see if you have any corrupt or missing system files? (might explain why it's not keeping your settings)

As for T.S I dont play that game so no answer from me on that one http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif (although I would "think" that you would want to use the "hardware" for the acceleration IF your vidcard and that is up to snuff)

Back to the top http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif

Mntsnow