Q&A: Virtual memory, real shortage

Q I am receiving a warning at start-up that my virtual memory is low and
some action is being taken to improve the situation. In fact, nothing
improves and the computer virtually grinds to a snail’s pace.
Peter Morrish

A Virtual memory is a very clever trick that allows Windows to use the hard
disk when it runs out of real memory. Without this, it would be limited to
using far fewer programs at a time, even though the hard disk is many times
slower than ordinary memory. Windows should set the area used on the hard
disk (also known as the Paging File) to an appropriate size, but it is
simple to change it if this is not working.

Be careful to follow the instructions and don’t be tempted to save on hard
disk space by not using virtual memory, as Windows will barely work without
it.

Click on the Start button, right-click on My Computer or Computer in Vista,
and select Properties. Click on the Advanced tab in XP, or Advanced System
Settings in Vista, and then on the Settings button in the Performance
section. Click on the Advanced tab again and then on the Change button
towards the bottom. Select the Custom size option, then enter 2048 in both
the Initial and Maximum Size boxes. Fixing the size can improve
performance. Click on the Set button and then on OK three times.