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Windows 98 and RAM

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7 replies

by kv0021

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What is the max MB of RAM that Windows 98 will utilize? I am running win98 attempting to use the following applications running simultaneously to accomplish a common task:
(1) session of Internet Explorer 5.5
(1) Microsoft Outlook 2000 (pst file = 50 MB)
(1) Microsoft Word 2000 (approx 2-5 MB file)
(1) Microsoft Excel 2000 (approx 2-5 MB file)
(2) sessions database program (Oracle SAP interface)
(1) Macro executor

I am often "low on system resources" and restarting the computer to restore to optimum condition. I have tried having only one window maximized at a time, closing programs and reopening, disabling active desktop, removing graphics (background, color schemes)/shortcut icons from the desktop.

7 replies

by thechas

Usually, when you get the low on resources warning, one of 2 things has happenned;
You have either run out of virtual memory, or you have a memory leak.

Memory leaks can be very hard to track down. The best way to eliminate them is to shut downmost of the background applications that so many software packages install for you.
90% of the icons in the system tray are memory wasters.

Virtual memory can be tougher.
Windows will not use all of the open drive space for virtual memory.
I like to leave a minimum of 2GB free space on the drive where the swap file is located.
Keeping temp files cleaned out, and the drive defragmented are your best defenses against running out of resources.

Do not fall victum to the old Windows 3.11 maxum of setting virtual memory to 2X ram. Let windows use as much drive space as you can.

As to real memory, there are numerous tales and opinions.
Many resources state the 9X doesn't "effectively" utilize memory over 128MB.
A test that I read reported optimum performance in 98 with 196MB. The test applications ran slower with either more or less RAM.

On a practicle basis, 9X cannot use more than 511MB.
While this is very configuration dependant, many users report major system problemswith 512 or 1GB of RAM installed.
Windows apparently gets confused, and ignores most of the RAM. And refuses to boot because there is not enough RAM to install the drivers.

That said, I run my personal 9X boxes with 384MB.
I did set up 2 systems with 196MB, and they did appear to run slightly faster then the boxes with 384MB.

Chas

by fenaikh

Hi
pls read these articles.

Good luck

Mohamed

How much memory can Windows 95/98/Me handle? (the 64 mb myth and all that)

http://www.onlinehelp.bc.ca/tips.htm#64mb

System Resources explained
http://www.onlinehelp.bc.ca/tips.htm#resources

Windows 98 & WinME Memory Management
http://www.aumha.org/a/memmgmt.htm

SYSTEM RESOURCES FAQ

http://www.aumha.org/a/resource.htm

***Very Important NOTE *********
After you copy the URL a space or a %20 maybe gets inserted in the URL when you paste it into your browser. Delete any spaces or such characters from the URL for the page to be loaded.

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