i need some help on my memory load

[Chris_706]

ok.. first i have 50 processes open when i start windows xp , and i also have 247mb of ram with a 77% load on memory and aol needs me to reduce this and i dont know how aol wont help me and hp wont ether cause my warranty has just run out on the 8th of dec

[John Y · Accepted solution]

A few idea's. You can disable some programs that aren't needed by using the run box in the start menu, and then enter msconfig, uncheck whats not needed under the startup tab and in services. Or you can buy more ram.!

[Ganesh Babu]

u can also open the task manager (Right click on Task bar and choose the option task manager)

goto processes tab and then click on mem usage column header..

this will make task manager to sort the processes based on memory usuage. U can the figure out which is taking more memory and decide whether u need them or not

Either u can stop them from the startup as JOhn has mentioned or kill them for the current the use..

Also u can upgrade for more RAM.

Ganesh

[Jay Bollyn]

Hi Chris,

There are plenty of winXP machines running 256MB RAM, AOL customers, without a problem. I doubt that you need to add RAM to solve this problem.

*Everyone* running winxp has approximately 50 processes (or more).

It sounds like you contacted AOL and they could/would not help you. Which is not surprising.

We can check to see if you have some kind of spyware/malware/virus/worm etc.

Download HijackThis from:

http://www.tomcoyote.com/hjt/HijackThis.exe

Run it, Scan your system then Save Log and post the log as an attachment to a reply to this post.

:-) Jay

[Chris_706]

here is the log you requested

[John Y]

If nothing is found of importance in the Hijack this scan, It may also be your virtual memory/page file is set to low.? Ganesh had a good idea with the task manager, you can see what the big memory hog is, and it may or may not be tied to a bug of some type, the Hijack this scan should find it if one's their, lets see what Jay finds.? BTW-- Our 4 XP machines have between 36-42 processes running at one time, just so you have an idea of where your at.

[Jay Bollyn]

Hi John,

I don't see anything bad in the HJT log. Perhaps if Ron is around we will get his opinion.

After all, Ron is the expert in matters-HJT!

:-) Jay

[John Y]

Hey Jay

No, I didn't see anything either from what little I could tell,...your better at this kinda stuff.! Anyhow, like I mentioned above, I wonder if his virtual memory/page file is set to low.? But either way, with XP being a memory hog to begin with, 512mb of ram would sure liven up his PC.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=PSD_DN020913_CW01

[John Y]

Chris, read the link I left above in my reply to Jay.!

[Chris_706]

i have a 1gb page file

[Jay Bollyn]

Hi John,

For win2k/xp, I believe one should just let windows manage the page file. In previous windows versions, it made sense to tweak the page file, but I do not mess with it for win2k/xp.

For new user PCs that we are currently buying, I agree, 512MB is the correct RAM amount for most ordinary users. But Chris has not told us what his processor is, and as you know, if his processor is just too old, it does not make $$ sense to add RAM to a motherboard that should simply be scrapped.

:-) Jay

[Chris_706]

i have a hp pavilion a305w 2.70ghz

[Jay Bollyn]

Hi Chris,

You would definitely see a speed boost by increasing your RAM to 512MB or even more, depending on what applications you typically run, and how many are open at one time.

Applications like Office (especially Access), and PhotoShop benefit from more RAM.

:-) Jay

[John Y]

Chris, like Jay said, make sure that,(let windows manage page file size) is selected, this may do it if it's not currently the option used.!? And for that system, it's worth a ram increase for sure, it's alot cheaper these days to add a little ram, afterall, not everyone can buy new MB's or PC's. No disrespect meant Jay.!

[John Y]

BTW--Here are your ram specs from HP, if you wish to add a little..................

Memory


Component
Attributes

Memory Installed
256 MB (1 x 256)

Maximum allowed
1 GB (2 x 512) requires the removal of the installed 256 MB DIMM

Speed supported
PC2700 MB/sec (messages at PC2100)

Type
184 pin, DDR SDRAM

DIMM slots
Two

[Jay Bollyn]

I DO think we are getting off the track of Chris' original problem report.

Now that we know Chris' processor, and that Chris is running 256MB RAM, there should be NO problem at all doing anything that AOL needs to do.

I don't have any first-hand experience with AOL (I have Comcast cable-Internet service).

Chris, if you could expand on your original problem, that would be good. I don't think you need to spend any money on RAM right now, although you should keep it in mind for a Xmas gift for your PC!

:-) Jay

[John Y]

I DO have AOL, and it uses a ton of memory. I asked Chris to check and see if if his virtual memory was set to managed by windows or not, and was waiting to hear back. He must not, stating he has a 1gb page file, and if thats the case, between XP--AOL--and extras, he may very well be on the edge.? So I thought I was on the track.

[Jay Bollyn]

Hi my friend John,

I am most certainly NOT an AOL expert.

I find it hard to believe that Chris' fairly recent hardware cannot run AOL without problems!

Let's wait to hear more detail on Chris' original problem.

:-) Jay

[Chris_706]

my problem is that i have to mch load on my memory and dont really know why right now as we are speaking i have a 86% load

[Jay Bollyn]

Chris,

Here is a good source for RAM:

http://www.crucial.com/

:-) Jay

[John Sutherland_1]

Chris You are very generous on points to all the big caps.
Just use the msconfig in your run box and take out programs you don't use often. Remember you are not cutting them off. You can still access them anytime under programs.
Check again and try to get closer to 40% available memory. Everything will run better and AOL will be happier with your system.
John