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Virtual Memory Like Dumbledore's Pensieve

Dear Computer Dude,

The "virtual memory" is low on my computer and I don't know how to fix it.  Do I need to buy more memory or a new computer or is there a secret way to empty it?   Help!!!

-Nancy

Dear Nancy,

Before we talk about fixing it, let's talk about what virtual memory is.

The best way to describe it is to reference one of the "Harry Potter" movies.  In one of the half-dozen episodes, Professor Dumbledore introduces Harry to a "pensieve," which looks like a bird bath.  Dumbledore uses the "pensieve" to store some of his important memories, which he takes from his head with his wand and places in the dish.  When he wants to remember or think about it again, he uses his wand to select it from the pool and puts it back in his head.

Virtual memory works like that.

When your computer's RAM memory (the memory it uses to "think" about stuff) is maxed out while a program is running, your computer will take some of the information and park it on a section of the hard drive until it is needed again.  That section of the hard drive is called the "virtual memory."

When you start getting the "virtual memory is low" message, it means that space on the hard drive has been fully used. 

There are a couple of quick and easy ways to correct this.  Sometimes the reason you get that message is because you have too many programs open at the same time.

Simply get out of all the programs you're running, save your work, turn your computer off, and restart it.  That will flush everything out of the virtual memory as well as the RAM so you can start over.

If the problem crops up again while you're being careful about how many programs you're running, you may have what we call a "memory leak."  It's where a wayward program is eating up the virtual memory. 

There is a technical way to hunt down and solve this, but you can also just put on your Sherlock Holmes hat and start tracing down the filthy culprit.  Pay attention to what programs are open when this warning shows up.  Write them down.  Maybe even have your assistant Watson ask you what your favorite school was.  ("Elementary, my dear Watson!").

Through the process of elimination, you can usually figure out which program is causing the problem.

Once you figure it out, you can try uninstalling and re-installing the program.  First, make sure you have a good backup, especially of the data that particular program is using.

Of course, another option is to install more RAM memory.  If you're comfortable doing this yourself, go for it.  It's not that hard, once you figure out which kind of memory sticks you need.  It does, however, require you to remove your computer's bonnet, which can be an intimidating adventure for those who have never seen a naked computer before.

Since the cost of new memory has become so ridiculously low for most machines, you might want to go ahead and make that investment, since RAM is like sex and money - there's no such thing as "too much."

Thanks for the question.  Hope that helps!

*Computer Dude

“The Computer Dude” is a weekly help column published every Thursday at www.MesquiteCitizen.com.  It is provided by Computer Help, a computer firm in Mesquite which offers computer tutoring, training, troubleshooting, and repair for individuals, retirees, and small businesses.  If you have a question or would like to see a particular topic discussed in a future column, you can send an e-mail to help@compuhelpus.com.  You can also find other useful information on their website at http://www.compuhelpus.com/.  If you need help with your computer, call Computer Help at 346-6357.