RAM memory allocation

[HiTekMom]

I'm running WinME and have 1.2GB of memory.
Though my system recogize the full 1.2GB, when I run a mem in DOS the total
conventional reads 640K with 580K Free.
In the Extended (XMS) column it reads 65,535K total with 1,309,26 Free.

How can I allocate more of the XMS to utilize my 1.2GB? I'm not able to run
many programs at once due to freezing. I have an antivirs, spysweeper and a
firewall wall running. I tried to remove all that I knew to remore in the
msconfig/startup.
When I'm in N7 with Outlook Express running, my resources are down to 46%
free.

Why isn't my system utilizing 1.2GB properly? Are my 2-512K mem sticks
defective?

Thx for any help that I may receive.

HiTekMom
(a.k.a. Mocha Martha Stewart)

[Mike M]

Since you say you have 1.2GB of RAM have you made the necessary changes to
system.ini so as to limit vcache to 512MB? If not then you are heading
for problems. BTW you mention 1.2GB but I suspect you mean 1.0GB
(2x412MB).

Win Me, like previous Win 9x operating systems can handle up to 2GB of RAM
however if you have more than 512MB it is essential to limit the virtual
cache to no more than 512MB as follows:
To limit vcache, open system.ini and add the lines
[VCache]
MaxFileCache=512000
Note that this will still mean that all memory is available to
applications but is simply limiting the amount used as virtual cache
memory See KB 253912 - ""Out of Memory" Error Messages with Large
Amounts of RAM Installed" (http://support.microsoft.com?kbid=253912).

As for the output of the MEM command when run in a DOS window this tells
you nothing about how Win Me is using memory but instead just that of the
DOS window. What actual memory problems are you having? Post details and
someone will hopefully be able to help.

Resources have nothing to do with memory but instead refer to two small
64KB, yes KB, stacks used to store 16 bit pointers used by 16 bit
applications and libraries. The size of these stacks is fixed, cannot be
altered and is intrinsic to the design of all Win 9x based operating
systems. To increase free resources you need to a) reduce the number of
applications being launched each time you boot your PC, and b) close
rather than minimise unused applications.

A good place to look to for advice as to which programs need to be run at
startup and those that can be safely disabled, is Pacman's site where he
lists what should definitely be retained and which can be safely removed
from the startup axis (http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_index.htm).
Reducing such applications and only starting them when required can free
up significant resources. Note though that before disabling any
application that you make yourself fully aware of its purpose and
understand what the consequences might be, if any, of disabling it at
start up.
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP



HiTekMom > wrote:

> I'm running WinME and have 1.2GB of memory.
> Though my system recogize the full 1.2GB, when I run a mem in DOS the
> total conventional reads 640K with 580K Free.
> In the Extended (XMS) column it reads 65,535K total with 1,309,26
> Free.
>
> How can I allocate more of the XMS to utilize my 1.2GB? I'm not able
> to run many programs at once due to freezing. I have an antivirs,
> spysweeper and a firewall wall running. I tried to remove all that I
> knew to remore in the msconfig/startup.
> When I'm in N7 with Outlook Express running, my resources are down to
> 46% free.
>
> Why isn't my system utilizing 1.2GB properly? Are my 2-512K mem sticks
> defective?
>
> Thx for any help that I may receive.
>
> HiTekMom
> (a.k.a. Mocha Martha Stewart)

[Ron Martell]

"HiTekMom" > wrote:

>I'm running WinME and have 1.2GB of memory.
>Though my system recogize the full 1.2GB, when I run a mem in DOS the total
>conventional reads 640K with 580K Free.
>In the Extended (XMS) column it reads 65,535K total with 1,309,26 Free.
>

MS-DOS, including the MS-DOS emulator included with Windows Me, is not
capable of using more than 64 mb of RAM and therefore that is all that
is reported by the MEM command.

This has no relationship to how much RAM Windows can use.

Open My Computer - System - General and see how much RAM is being
reported there. If that shows the full 1.2 gb (or possibly a few MB
less if your motherboard has integrated video) then all is well.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."

[The Rascento Family]

Ron,

My system reads, via MyComputer, Performance Tab: 1280.0MB.

So, you are saying that even though I have over 1GB of memory, I'll still
get freezes in some apps if I have too many open?

- HiTekMom

"Ron Martell" > wrote in message
...
> "HiTekMom" > wrote:
>
> >I'm running WinME and have 1.2GB of memory.
> >Though my system recogize the full 1.2GB, when I run a mem in DOS the
total
> >conventional reads 640K with 580K Free.
> >In the Extended (XMS) column it reads 65,535K total with 1,309,26 Free.
> >
>
> MS-DOS, including the MS-DOS emulator included with Windows Me, is not
> capable of using more than 64 mb of RAM and therefore that is all that
> is reported by the MEM command.
>
> This has no relationship to how much RAM Windows can use.
>
> Open My Computer - System - General and see how much RAM is being
> reported there. If that shows the full 1.2 gb (or possibly a few MB
> less if your motherboard has integrated video) then all is well.
>
> Good luck
>
>
> Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
> --
> Microsoft MVP
> On-Line Help Computer Service
> http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
>
> "The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."

[The Rascento Family]

Mike,

My systems reads 1280.0MB. That calculates to 1.2GB. I have 2(512K) and the
2 (128K) base mem that came with the system. I'm going to run through the
vcache as you describe below because I believe WinMe is having a problem
because of the accessive memory.
I'm not sure of the process you describe, but I will research more. However,
I did try to increase the virtual memory in the Systems Properties, but was
unsuccesful.

How do I open the systems.ini file?

Thx much,
If you need more info on my system to be able to give correct diagnoses, pls
let me know.
"Mike M" > wrote in message
...
> Since you say you have 1.2GB of RAM have you made the necessary changes to
> system.ini so as to limit vcache to 512MB? If not then you are heading
> for problems. BTW you mention 1.2GB but I suspect you mean 1.0GB
> (2x412MB).
>
> Win Me, like previous Win 9x operating systems can handle up to 2GB of RAM
> however if you have more than 512MB it is essential to limit the virtual
> cache to no more than 512MB as follows:
> To limit vcache, open system.ini and add the lines
> [VCache]
> MaxFileCache=512000
> Note that this will still mean that all memory is available to
> applications but is simply limiting the amount used as virtual cache
> memory See KB 253912 - ""Out of Memory" Error Messages with Large
> Amounts of RAM Installed" (http://support.microsoft.com?kbid=253912).
>
> As for the output of the MEM command when run in a DOS window this tells
> you nothing about how Win Me is using memory but instead just that of the
> DOS window. What actual memory problems are you having? Post details and
> someone will hopefully be able to help.
>
> Resources have nothing to do with memory but instead refer to two small
> 64KB, yes KB, stacks used to store 16 bit pointers used by 16 bit
> applications and libraries. The size of these stacks is fixed, cannot be
> altered and is intrinsic to the design of all Win 9x based operating
> systems. To increase free resources you need to a) reduce the number of
> applications being launched each time you boot your PC, and b) close
> rather than minimise unused applications.
>
> A good place to look to for advice as to which programs need to be run at
> startup and those that can be safely disabled, is Pacman's site where he
> lists what should definitely be retained and which can be safely removed
> from the startup axis (http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_index.htm).
> Reducing such applications and only starting them when required can free
> up significant resources. Note though that before disabling any
> application that you make yourself fully aware of its purpose and
> understand what the consequences might be, if any, of disabling it at
> start up.
> --
> Mike Maltby MS-MVP
>
>
>
> HiTekMom > wrote:
>
> > I'm running WinME and have 1.2GB of memory.
> > Though my system recogize the full 1.2GB, when I run a mem in DOS the
> > total conventional reads 640K with 580K Free.
> > In the Extended (XMS) column it reads 65,535K total with 1,309,26
> > Free.
> >
> > How can I allocate more of the XMS to utilize my 1.2GB? I'm not able
> > to run many programs at once due to freezing. I have an antivirs,
> > spysweeper and a firewall wall running. I tried to remove all that I
> > knew to remore in the msconfig/startup.
> > When I'm in N7 with Outlook Express running, my resources are down to
> > 46% free.
> >
> > Why isn't my system utilizing 1.2GB properly? Are my 2-512K mem sticks
> > defective?
> >
> > Thx for any help that I may receive.
> >
> > HiTekMom
> > (a.k.a. Mocha Martha Stewart)
>

[Mike M]

What freezes? Can you provide some details as this is something you
didn't mention in your original post. Again though I have to ask have you
limited vcache to 512MB as explained in my earlier post? If not you are
going to have problems. Period.
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP [2001-2005]



The Rascento Family > wrote:

> Ron,
>
> My system reads, via MyComputer, Performance Tab: 1280.0MB.
>
> So, you are saying that even though I have over 1GB of memory, I'll
> still get freezes in some apps if I have too many open?

[Mike M]

I said nothing about virtual memory. Let windows handle that. What I
said was that you needed to limit the virtual cache to no more than 512MB.
My post explained what you need to do and also gave you a reference to the
Knowledge base article that also explains the problem.

You can edit system.ini as follows:
Either, using MSConfig (Start, Run, enter MSConfig in the box and click
OK):
Open the System.ini tab
Highlight the line [vcache]
Click New
An empty box will open up to the right of a checked check box
Insert in the box:
MaxFileCache=512000
Click OK

Alternatively,
Locate the file system.ini in your windows folder. Use Windows Explorer.
Select the file and double click to open in Notepad, add the line:
MaxFileCache=512000
to the [vcache] section
Then Save.

So you have 2x512MB and 2x128MB rather than just the 2x512MB of RAM you
mentioned in your earlier post. That explains the 1280MB you mention
(which is 1.25GB).
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP [2001-2005]



The Rascento Family > wrote:

> My systems reads 1280.0MB. That calculates to 1.2GB. I have 2(512K)
> and the 2 (128K) base mem that came with the system. I'm going to run
> through the vcache as you describe below because I believe WinMe is
> having a problem because of the accessive memory.
> I'm not sure of the process you describe, but I will research more.
> However, I did try to increase the virtual memory in the Systems
> Properties, but was unsuccesful.
>
> How do I open the systems.ini file?
>
> Thx much,
> If you need more info on my system to be able to give correct
> diagnoses, pls let me know.

[HiTekMom]

Mike,

Thank you very much for your patience. I have printed your first response
and am studying it. I am reading over the links that you've posted and am
trying to get an understanding. I will follow the steps you have provided
and will let you know the outcome.

What freezes are my Earthlink mailbox and IE. I've since changed my mailbox
to Outlook Express, but am using N7 instead of IE. Macromedia Fireworks
refuse to open if I have several windows open, ie, N7, Outlook plus any
more. I do understand the problems WinMe could have if I have too much
memory. It's vcashing I need to learn more about. And thx to you I'm on the
road to doing so.

As far as my continuing to have the problem, you are right. Even though I've
reformated my harddrive, I recently experienced the same error msg recv'd
before the reformat msg: "Dangerously low on resources".

Thx again,

HiTekMom

"Mike M" > wrote in message
...
> What freezes? Can you provide some details as this is something you
> didn't mention in your original post. Again though I have to ask have you
> limited vcache to 512MB as explained in my earlier post? If not you are
> going to have problems. Period.
> --
> Mike Maltby MS-MVP [2001-2005]
>
>
>
> The Rascento Family > wrote:
>
> > Ron,
> >
> > My system reads, via MyComputer, Performance Tab: 1280.0MB.
> >
> > So, you are saying that even though I have over 1GB of memory, I'll
> > still get freezes in some apps if I have too many open?
>

[Jerry]

As you have more than 1.0Gb of RAM you need to make more than one edit to
SYSTEM.INI

For RAM > 512Mb

[VCACHE]
MaxFileCache=524288

For RAM > 1.0Gb

[386ENH]
MaxPhysPage=40000

I used MaxFileCache of 524288 because that is the binary value, using 512000
is decimal. And I used it when runningWinME on my system with 2.0Gb of RAM
and before I upgraded to XP Pro.

Jerry

"HiTekMom" > wrote in message
nk.net...
> Mike,
>
> Thank you very much for your patience. I have printed your first response
> and am studying it. I am reading over the links that you've posted and am
> trying to get an understanding. I will follow the steps you have provided
> and will let you know the outcome.
>
> What freezes are my Earthlink mailbox and IE. I've since changed my
> mailbox
> to Outlook Express, but am using N7 instead of IE. Macromedia Fireworks
> refuse to open if I have several windows open, ie, N7, Outlook plus any
> more. I do understand the problems WinMe could have if I have too much
> memory. It's vcashing I need to learn more about. And thx to you I'm on
> the
> road to doing so.
>
> As far as my continuing to have the problem, you are right. Even though
> I've
> reformated my harddrive, I recently experienced the same error msg recv'd
> before the reformat msg: "Dangerously low on resources".
>
> Thx again,
>
> HiTekMom
>
> "Mike M" > wrote in message
> ...
>> What freezes? Can you provide some details as this is something you
>> didn't mention in your original post. Again though I have to ask have
>> you
>> limited vcache to 512MB as explained in my earlier post? If not you are
>> going to have problems. Period.
>> --
>> Mike Maltby MS-MVP [2001-2005]
>>
>>
>>
>> The Rascento Family > wrote:
>>
>> > Ron,
>> >
>> > My system reads, via MyComputer, Performance Tab: 1280.0MB.
>> >
>> > So, you are saying that even though I have over 1GB of memory, I'll
>> > still get freezes in some apps if I have too many open?
>>
>
>

[HiTekMom]

Jerry,

The MaxFileCache in my system.ini file under vcache did = to 524288 before I
changed it to 512000. If that wasn't the problem, then what is your take on
my getting a "Dangerously low resources" after have open 2 or more windows.

Since I just changed the line to 512000 I have not yet tested the outcome.
Meaning I need to open several apps being, N7, Outlook Express, IE and then
I'll try Macromedia Fireworks. Before, IE ususualy freezes, Fireworks states
"Internal Error" then shortly after that I receive a "Dangerously low on
resources and ask that I specifically close one of the applications until
I've closed them all. Then if I try to reopen any one app, I receive a
"Unable to open, low on mem, pls close one or more apps [or something to
that nature]"

Thx

- HiTekMom


"Jerry" > wrote in message
...
> As you have more than 1.0Gb of RAM you need to make more than one edit to
> SYSTEM.INI
>
> For RAM > 512Mb
>
> [VCACHE]
> MaxFileCache=524288
>
> For RAM > 1.0Gb
>
> [386ENH]
> MaxPhysPage=40000
>
> I used MaxFileCache of 524288 because that is the binary value, using
512000
> is decimal. And I used it when runningWinME on my system with 2.0Gb of RAM
> and before I upgraded to XP Pro.
>
> Jerry
>
> "HiTekMom" > wrote in message
> nk.net...
> > Mike,
> >
> > Thank you very much for your patience. I have printed your first
response
> > and am studying it. I am reading over the links that you've posted and
am
> > trying to get an understanding. I will follow the steps you have
provided
> > and will let you know the outcome.
> >
> > What freezes are my Earthlink mailbox and IE. I've since changed my
> > mailbox
> > to Outlook Express, but am using N7 instead of IE. Macromedia Fireworks
> > refuse to open if I have several windows open, ie, N7, Outlook plus any
> > more. I do understand the problems WinMe could have if I have too much
> > memory. It's vcashing I need to learn more about. And thx to you I'm on
> > the
> > road to doing so.
> >
> > As far as my continuing to have the problem, you are right. Even though
> > I've
> > reformated my harddrive, I recently experienced the same error msg
recv'd
> > before the reformat msg: "Dangerously low on resources".
> >
> > Thx again,
> >
> > HiTekMom
> >
> > "Mike M" > wrote in message
> > ...
> >> What freezes? Can you provide some details as this is something you
> >> didn't mention in your original post. Again though I have to ask have
> >> you
> >> limited vcache to 512MB as explained in my earlier post? If not you
are
> >> going to have problems. Period.
> >> --
> >> Mike Maltby MS-MVP [2001-2005]
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> The Rascento Family > wrote:
> >>
> >> > Ron,
> >> >
> >> > My system reads, via MyComputer, Performance Tab: 1280.0MB.
> >> >
> >> > So, you are saying that even though I have over 1GB of memory, I'll
> >> > still get freezes in some apps if I have too many open?
> >>
> >
> >
>
>

[HiTekMom]

Okay! Here's what I did, Mike let me know if you know otherwise:

- I set MaxFileCache=524288 under vcache
- I added line MaxPhysPage=40000 under [386ENH]

To test this I:

- opened N7, IE, MSWord and Macromedia Fireworks
- while Norton, SpySweeper, a Fire wall, and an Update Reminder resides in
my sys.tray

Everything work beautifully. Except one minor glich, I can live with, IE
took way to long to load the URL I Typed in. The initial load was fair, but
when I typed in a specific address the connection was too long. It could
have been the server on the other end. I'll try again, another time.

As for now, I'm going to consider my problem SOLVED!!!! Hey, look at the
time, and I haven't packed hubby's lunch for tomorrow yet.

Thx much guys. ooooo (consider these my homemade chocolate chips cookies
baked especially for the two of you - Jerry and Mike).

- Ciao,

"HiTekMom" > wrote in message
ink.net...
> Jerry,
>
> The MaxFileCache in my system.ini file under vcache did = to 524288 before
I
> changed it to 512000. If that wasn't the problem, then what is your take
on
> my getting a "Dangerously low resources" after have open 2 or more
windows.
>
> Since I just changed the line to 512000 I have not yet tested the outcome.
> Meaning I need to open several apps being, N7, Outlook Express, IE and
then
> I'll try Macromedia Fireworks. Before, IE ususualy freezes, Fireworks
states
> "Internal Error" then shortly after that I receive a "Dangerously low on
> resources and ask that I specifically close one of the applications until
> I've closed them all. Then if I try to reopen any one app, I receive a
> "Unable to open, low on mem, pls close one or more apps [or something to
> that nature]"
>
> Thx
>
> - HiTekMom
>
>
> "Jerry" > wrote in message
> ...
> > As you have more than 1.0Gb of RAM you need to make more than one edit
to
> > SYSTEM.INI
> >
> > For RAM > 512Mb
> >
> > [VCACHE]
> > MaxFileCache=524288
> >
> > For RAM > 1.0Gb
> >
> > [386ENH]
> > MaxPhysPage=40000
> >
> > I used MaxFileCache of 524288 because that is the binary value, using
> 512000
> > is decimal. And I used it when runningWinME on my system with 2.0Gb of
RAM
> > and before I upgraded to XP Pro.
> >
> > Jerry
> >
> > "HiTekMom" > wrote in message
> > nk.net...
> > > Mike,
> > >
> > > Thank you very much for your patience. I have printed your first
> response
> > > and am studying it. I am reading over the links that you've posted and
> am
> > > trying to get an understanding. I will follow the steps you have
> provided
> > > and will let you know the outcome.
> > >
> > > What freezes are my Earthlink mailbox and IE. I've since changed my
> > > mailbox
> > > to Outlook Express, but am using N7 instead of IE. Macromedia
Fireworks
> > > refuse to open if I have several windows open, ie, N7, Outlook plus
any
> > > more. I do understand the problems WinMe could have if I have too much
> > > memory. It's vcashing I need to learn more about. And thx to you I'm
on
> > > the
> > > road to doing so.
> > >
> > > As far as my continuing to have the problem, you are right. Even
though
> > > I've
> > > reformated my harddrive, I recently experienced the same error msg
> recv'd
> > > before the reformat msg: "Dangerously low on resources".
> > >
> > > Thx again,
> > >
> > > HiTekMom
> > >
> > > "Mike M" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > >> What freezes? Can you provide some details as this is something you
> > >> didn't mention in your original post. Again though I have to ask
have
> > >> you
> > >> limited vcache to 512MB as explained in my earlier post? If not you
> are
> > >> going to have problems. Period.
> > >> --
> > >> Mike Maltby MS-MVP [2001-2005]
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> The Rascento Family > wrote:
> > >>
> > >> > Ron,
> > >> >
> > >> > My system reads, via MyComputer, Performance Tab: 1280.0MB.
> > >> >
> > >> > So, you are saying that even though I have over 1GB of memory, I'll
> > >> > still get freezes in some apps if I have too many open?
> > >>
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[HiTekMom]

I'm sorry Ron, I just couldn't believe that there was nothing I could do.
Because all wasn't well.

- Ciao

"Ron Martell" > wrote in message
...
> "HiTekMom" > wrote:
>
> >I'm running WinME and have 1.2GB of memory.
> >Though my system recogize the full 1.2GB, when I run a mem in DOS the
total
> >conventional reads 640K with 580K Free.
> >In the Extended (XMS) column it reads 65,535K total with 1,309,26 Free.
> >
>
> MS-DOS, including the MS-DOS emulator included with Windows Me, is not
> capable of using more than 64 mb of RAM and therefore that is all that
> is reported by the MEM command.
>
> This has no relationship to how much RAM Windows can use.
>
> Open My Computer - System - General and see how much RAM is being
> reported there. If that shows the full 1.2 gb (or possibly a few MB
> less if your motherboard has integrated video) then all is well.
>
> Good luck
>
>
> Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
> --
> Microsoft MVP
> On-Line Help Computer Service
> http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
>
> "The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."

[Mike M]

Whilst not usually required since Win 9x systems can handle up to 2GB of
RAM I'm pleased to read that Jerry's suggestion of setting
MaxPhysPage=40000 has helped solve your problem. Incidentally this has
the same effect as your removing the two small 128MB memory sticks.
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP [2001-2005]



HiTekMom > wrote:

> Okay! Here's what I did, Mike let me know if you know otherwise:
>
> - I set MaxFileCache=524288 under vcache
> - I added line MaxPhysPage=40000 under [386ENH]
>
> To test this I:
>
> - opened N7, IE, MSWord and Macromedia Fireworks
> - while Norton, SpySweeper, a Fire wall, and an Update Reminder
> resides in my sys.tray
>
> Everything work beautifully. Except one minor glich, I can live with,
> IE took way to long to load the URL I Typed in. The initial load was
> fair, but when I typed in a specific address the connection was too
> long. It could have been the server on the other end. I'll try again,
> another time.
>
> As for now, I'm going to consider my problem SOLVED!!!! Hey, look at
> the time, and I haven't packed hubby's lunch for tomorrow yet.
>
> Thx much guys. ooooo (consider these my homemade chocolate chips
> cookies baked especially for the two of you - Jerry and Mike).

[Jerry]

It is blustery and rainy here in Southern California with snow on the local
mountains so your chocolate chip cookies would go just fine with my
afternoon cup of coffee.

Glad to hear the problem was solved.

The MaxPhysPage number for 40000 I got from someone at Microsoft a while
ago. I tried changing it to see if things would get better or worse and on
my ME sysetm I finally set it at 49999. (Don't have a clue as to why 50000
wouldn't work.) (Using the larger number resulted in more memory being
available as shown when Control Panel > System was invoked.


Jerry
"HiTekMom" > wrote in message
ink.net...
> Okay! Here's what I did, Mike let me know if you know otherwise:
>
> - I set MaxFileCache=524288 under vcache
> - I added line MaxPhysPage=40000 under [386ENH]
>
> To test this I:
>
> - opened N7, IE, MSWord and Macromedia Fireworks
> - while Norton, SpySweeper, a Fire wall, and an Update Reminder resides in
> my sys.tray
>
> Everything work beautifully. Except one minor glich, I can live with, IE
> took way to long to load the URL I Typed in. The initial load was fair,
> but
> when I typed in a specific address the connection was too long. It could
> have been the server on the other end. I'll try again, another time.
>
> As for now, I'm going to consider my problem SOLVED!!!! Hey, look at the
> time, and I haven't packed hubby's lunch for tomorrow yet.
>
> Thx much guys. ooooo (consider these my homemade chocolate chips cookies
> baked especially for the two of you - Jerry and Mike).
>
> - Ciao,
>
> "HiTekMom" > wrote in message
> ink.net...
>> Jerry,
>>
>> The MaxFileCache in my system.ini file under vcache did = to 524288
>> before
> I
>> changed it to 512000. If that wasn't the problem, then what is your take
> on
>> my getting a "Dangerously low resources" after have open 2 or more
> windows.
>>
>> Since I just changed the line to 512000 I have not yet tested the
>> outcome.
>> Meaning I need to open several apps being, N7, Outlook Express, IE and
> then
>> I'll try Macromedia Fireworks. Before, IE ususualy freezes, Fireworks
> states
>> "Internal Error" then shortly after that I receive a "Dangerously low on
>> resources and ask that I specifically close one of the applications until
>> I've closed them all. Then if I try to reopen any one app, I receive a
>> "Unable to open, low on mem, pls close one or more apps [or something to
>> that nature]"
>>
>> Thx
>>
>> - HiTekMom
>>
>>
>> "Jerry" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > As you have more than 1.0Gb of RAM you need to make more than one edit
> to
>> > SYSTEM.INI
>> >
>> > For RAM > 512Mb
>> >
>> > [VCACHE]
>> > MaxFileCache=524288
>> >
>> > For RAM > 1.0Gb
>> >
>> > [386ENH]
>> > MaxPhysPage=40000
>> >
>> > I used MaxFileCache of 524288 because that is the binary value, using
>> 512000
>> > is decimal. And I used it when runningWinME on my system with 2.0Gb of
> RAM
>> > and before I upgraded to XP Pro.
>> >
>> > Jerry
>> >
>> > "HiTekMom" > wrote in message
>> > nk.net...
>> > > Mike,
>> > >
>> > > Thank you very much for your patience. I have printed your first
>> response
>> > > and am studying it. I am reading over the links that you've posted
>> > > and
>> am
>> > > trying to get an understanding. I will follow the steps you have
>> provided
>> > > and will let you know the outcome.
>> > >
>> > > What freezes are my Earthlink mailbox and IE. I've since changed my
>> > > mailbox
>> > > to Outlook Express, but am using N7 instead of IE. Macromedia
> Fireworks
>> > > refuse to open if I have several windows open, ie, N7, Outlook plus
> any
>> > > more. I do understand the problems WinMe could have if I have too
>> > > much
>> > > memory. It's vcashing I need to learn more about. And thx to you I'm
> on
>> > > the
>> > > road to doing so.
>> > >
>> > > As far as my continuing to have the problem, you are right. Even
> though
>> > > I've
>> > > reformated my harddrive, I recently experienced the same error msg
>> recv'd
>> > > before the reformat msg: "Dangerously low on resources".
>> > >
>> > > Thx again,
>> > >
>> > > HiTekMom
>> > >
>> > > "Mike M" > wrote in message
>> > > ...
>> > >> What freezes? Can you provide some details as this is something you
>> > >> didn't mention in your original post. Again though I have to ask
> have
>> > >> you
>> > >> limited vcache to 512MB as explained in my earlier post? If not you
>> are
>> > >> going to have problems. Period.
>> > >> --
>> > >> Mike Maltby MS-MVP [2001-2005]
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >> The Rascento Family > wrote:
>> > >>
>> > >> > Ron,
>> > >> >
>> > >> > My system reads, via MyComputer, Performance Tab: 1280.0MB.
>> > >> >
>> > >> > So, you are saying that even though I have over 1GB of memory,
>> > >> > I'll
>> > >> > still get freezes in some apps if I have too many open?
>> > >>
>> > >
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

[Ron Martell]

"Mike M" > wrote:

>Whilst not usually required since Win 9x systems can handle up to 2GB of
>RAM I'm pleased to read that Jerry's suggestion of setting
>MaxPhysPage=40000 has helped solve your problem. Incidentally this has
>the same effect as your removing the two small 128MB memory sticks.

Actually there is no documented instance of anyone using Windows 9x
successfully with more than 1.5 gb of RAM installed.

Use of the MaxPhysPage parameter is getting more common these days as
more people are configuring systems with huge amounts of RAM to
multi-boot Windows XP and Windows 98SE/Me.


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."

[Ron Martell]

"HiTekMom" > wrote:

>I'm sorry Ron, I just couldn't believe that there was nothing I could do.
>Because all wasn't well.
>
>- Ciao
>

Don't blame you for being concerned or for asking. We all learn by
asking questions.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."

[Mike M]

Thanks for that info Ron.

I well understand that users are now running machines with much larger
amounts of RAM than before - just think what 1.25GB might have cost even
five years ago. I seem to recall I began testing Win Me with probably
just 128MB of RAM although I know the PC I was using had 384MB by the end
of that beta.

What seems to vary though from system to system is the figure at which the
use of MaxPhysPage is required. I was under the impression that this
kicked in around the 1.5GB mark (as you mentioned) however there have been
a number of recent posts including this one where limiting to usable
memory to 1GB is required to fix problems. Perhaps in future it would be
best to advise the use of MaxPhysPage=40000 whenever installed memory
exceeds 1GB.

Cheers,
--
Mike


Ron Martell > wrote:

> Actually there is no documented instance of anyone using Windows 9x
> successfully with more than 1.5 gb of RAM installed.
>
> Use of the MaxPhysPage parameter is getting more common these days as
> more people are configuring systems with huge amounts of RAM to
> multi-boot Windows XP and Windows 98SE/Me.

[Ron Martell]

"Mike M" > wrote:

>Thanks for that info Ron.
>
>I well understand that users are now running machines with much larger
>amounts of RAM than before - just think what 1.25GB might have cost even
>five years ago. I seem to recall I began testing Win Me with probably
>just 128MB of RAM although I know the PC I was using had 384MB by the end
>of that beta.
>
>What seems to vary though from system to system is the figure at which the
>use of MaxPhysPage is required. I was under the impression that this
>kicked in around the 1.5GB mark (as you mentioned) however there have been
>a number of recent posts including this one where limiting to usable
>memory to 1GB is required to fix problems. Perhaps in future it would be
>best to advise the use of MaxPhysPage=40000 whenever installed memory
>exceeds 1GB.
>
>Cheers,

The problems with memory over 1 gb seem to be hardware related in some
way, but nobody has identified the exact cause. There are instances
where certain computers will not run with anything more than 1 gb of
RAM unless the MaxPhysPage is set to limit usage to 1 gb; and other
computers that run quite happily with up to 1.5 gb.

And with the end of Microsoft's active support for Windows Me I doubt
if anyone will take the time to seriously research the problem so as
to identify the precise cause.


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."