Computers using a lot of RAM - Configure paging files (Pagefile.sys)

[ColmanStar]

My computer uses a lot of memory all the time. There's something wrong here and I don't really know what. I have called Microsoft and we have tried all sorts of tricks over the phone but the system has got worse. What can I do? Someone has suggested this "configure paging file size" but I don't know what he meant.
Thanks

[laurentio]

hi Colman,
is that XP related or VISTA?


The paging file (Pagefile.sys) is a hidden file on your computer's hard disk that Windows XP and VISTA uses as if it were random access memory (RAM). The paging file and physical memory make up virtual memory. If your computer runs out of RAM Windows Vista uses it’s paging file as an alternative to the RAM.

By default, Windows stores the paging file on the boot partition (the partition that contains the operating system and its support files). The default paging file size is equal to 1.5 times the total RAM. However, this default configuration may not be optimal in all cases.

To enhance performance, it is good practice to put the paging file on a different partition and on a different physical hard disk drive. That way, Windows can handle multiple I/O requests more quickly. When the paging file is on the boot partition, Windows must perform disk reading and writing requests on both the system folder and the paging file. When the paging file is moved to a different partition, there is less competition between reading and writing requests.

However, if you remove the paging file from the boot partition, Windows cannot create a dump file (Memory.dmp) in which to write debugging information in the event that a kernel mode Stop Error message occurs. This could lead to extended downtime if you must debug to troubleshoot the Stop error message.

The optimal solution is to create one paging file that is stored on the boot partition, and then create one paging file on another partition that is less frequently accessed on a different physical hard disk if a different physical hard disk is available. Additionally, it is optimal to create the second paging file so that it exists on its own partition, with no data or operating-system-specific files. By design, Windows uses the paging file on the less frequently accessed partition over the paging file on the more heavily accessed boot partition. An internal algorithm is used to determine which paging file to use for virtual memory management.

When you put a paging file on its own partition, the paging file does not become fragmented, and this counts as another definite advantage. If a paging file resides on a partition that contains other data, it may experience fragmentation as it expands to satisfy the extra virtual memory that is required. An un-fragmented paging file leads to faster virtual memory access and to a greater chance of a dump-file capture that is free of significant errors.

Now, let's see how it can be done, VISTA first:
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Things to Know

Before you start messing with your computer’s paging file there are things you need to understand so you don’t break your computer.

Your computer must have a paging file. Windows Vista and most software rely on the paging file even though your computer has plenty or memory.
The recommended size of the paging file is 1.5 to 3 times the amount of RAM you have.
If you move the paging file, it should always be moved to a different physical hard drive. Never use a separate partition on the same hard drive as the C: drive. This will slow your computer down.
You can have 2 paging files. Each paging file must be on different physical hard drives though. An example would be a paging file on your C: and E: drives. Move Windows Vista’s Paging File

In this example I’m going to move the paging file from its original location on the C: drive to a separate hard drive called the E: drive.

Right-click Computer in the Start Menu.
Select Properties.
Click Advanced system settings on the left side of the System window.
Click the Settings button in the Performance section of the Advanced tab.
Select the Advanced tab in the Performance Options window.
Click the Change button in the Virtual memory section.
Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives. http://www.maximumpcguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/move-paging-file1.thumbnail.PNG (http://www.maximumpcguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/move-paging-file1.PNG)
Highlight the C drive, select No paging file, and then click the Set button. Ignore any warnings you receive.
Select the drive you want to move the paging file to, select system managed size, and then click the Set button.
Click OK and then restart your computer to apply the changes. Use 2 Paging Files for Maximum Performance

Since the hard drive controller on your computer can read and write to more than one hard drive at a time it’s possible to have 2 paging files. It’s very important that the two paging files are on separate hard drives and not different partitions on the same hard drive.
In this example I’m going to setup a paging file on both the C: and E: drives for maximum page file performance.

Right-click Computer in the Start Menu.
Select Properties.
Click Advanced system settings on the left side of the System window.
Click the Settings button in the Performance section of the Advanced tab.
Select the Advanced tab in the Performance Options window.
Click the Change button in the Virtual memory section.
Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives. http://www.maximumpcguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/move-paging-file1.thumbnail.PNG (http://www.maximumpcguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/move-paging-file1.PNG)
Highlight the C drive, select system managed size, and then click the Set button.
Highlight the second drive, select system managed size, and then click the Set button.
Click OK and then restart your computer to apply the changes.

And now, Windows XP:
How to Move the Paging File

1.Log on to the computer as Administrator.2.Click Start, and then click Control Panel.3.Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.4.Click the Advanced tab, and then under Performance, click Settings.5.Click the Advanced tab, and then under Virtual memory, click Change.6.In the Drive [Volume Label] list, click a drive other than the one on which Windows is installed (Windows is usually installed on the drive C). Under Total paging file size for all drives, note the value that is displayed next to Recommended.7.Click Custom size, and then type the recommended value in the Initial size (MB) box. 8.Type the maximum size that you want to allow for paging in the Maximum size (MB) box, and then click Set.9.In the Drive [Volume Label] box, click the drive on which Windows is installed (usually the drive C), and then use one of the following steps:•If you do not want a paging file on the drive, click No paging file, and then click Set. A message similar to the following message appears: If the pagefile on volume C: has an initial size of less than 126 megabytes, then the system may not be able to create a debugging information file if a STOP error occurs.
Continue anyway?
Click Yes.

•If you want to keep the minimum size of the paging file on the drive, click Custom size, and then type a value that is equal to or greater than the amount of RAM in the computer in the Initial size (MB) box. Type that same value in the Maximum size (MB) box, and then click Set.10.The following message appears: The changes you have made require you to restart your computer before they can take effect.
Click OK, click OK, click OK, and then click Yes when you are prompted to restart the computer.

A very good tutorial can be found here (http://www.petri.co.il/pagefile_optimization.htm)
Good luck