SWAP FILES

The swap / page file, or virtual memory (there all the same thing) is a very complex issue.
Full details are beyond the 1930 character limit of this forum.

My thoughts are basically in line with these links:

http://www.aumha.org/win4/a/memmgmt.htm

http://www.bootdisk.com/swapfile.htm

My goal is system stability, not maximum benchmark test scores.

The swap file settings are accessed from the virtual memory section of the Performance tab of System properties.

I set up ALL my PCs with an additional logical drive of at least 2GB.
On this drive, I store the extracted files for ALL device drivers.
After defraging this drive, I then change virtual memory settings to use this drive, and allow Windows to control virtual memory.

When performing maintenance on a PC that does not have a dedicated drive for the page file, I use the following formula:
Virtual memory equals the larger of 2 times installed RAM, or 1 GB minus Installed RAM.

Short answers to your questions:1. For a larger page file, you need to have free space on the hard drive of at least 1.2 times the maximum page file size.

2. For a fixed size page file, set minimum and maximum to the same size.
To repair a corrupt page file, boot from a DOS floppy, and delete the swap file from the C: drive.

3. The right size varies by how you use your PC.
My formula above is very conservative.
Run system monitor for a few days of hard use, and see what the maximum page file size is.
Add at least 10%, and that will be the 'right' size for how you use your PC.

4. The swap file effects system stability much more than speed.
If virtual memory is too small, your PC will lock up and crash more often.
If VM is too large, you are wasting some disk space.

Chas

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