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Use all available RAM in Windows XP

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by comviz

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I have over 700Mb of RAM in my system but Windows XP never use all the RAM. I consistently have about 400Mb of RAM idle yet Windows XP keep using the swap file. How can I get Windows XP to use ALL available RAM before using the swap file?

Thanks

5 replies

by murray.wall

Its the way that the memory IO subsystem in NT was developed. It will always move stuff to the page file based on the way it is in use. Just the nature of NT. I have seen people who use some of their ram to create a RAM disk and then put the page file on there, not sure if it would work in your situation, possibly, but their are some very definate issues with moving a page file to RAM....

by dcook

comviz_ You can limit the swap file use by performing the following tweaks: Declare the minimum size of your swap file 0 and 1 1/2 times physical memory for Max. Go to the RUN box in the start menu and type regedt32 (registry editor). Navigate to the registry key: HKLM/System/CurrentControlSet/Control/Session Manager/Memory Management/. Find the key "DisablePagingExecutive" and change the DWORD value from 0 to 1 (right click - modify). If it doesn't exist, you have to create it by selecting Edit from the registry editor menu, New, DWORD Value. Name it DisablePagingExecutive and Value at 1. This tweak tells XP to use all available physical memory befor swapping to disk. Good Luck! It really does the trick! As always, back up your registry before making changes. (Backup - System State).

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