Troubleshoot Memory Problems in Windows Vista

• 1). Stop memory leaks. Memory leaks occur when a program doesn't free up the memory that it no longer needs, causing low memory problems. Stop the memory leaks by closing any program that tends to cause your PC to run low on memory whenever you run it. Repair memory leaks by checking for program updates on the publisher's website.
  
  
• 2). Run fewer programs at the same time to free up RAM. Pay attention to the particular programs that tend to cause low memory conditions, and avoid running them simultaneously.
  
  
• 3). Determine which programs are using the most memory and close any that you can do without. You can find out how much memory a program is using up by following these steps: right-click on the taskbar and then click on "Task Manager." Click on the "Processes" tab and this will bring up a list of all the programs that are running along with the amount of memory usage for each one. You can sort them by clicking on Memory (Private Working Set).
  
  
• 4). Install more RAM, especially if you absolutely need to run programs that tend to hog RAM. Check your manual or contact your PC's manufacturer to find out the type of RAM that's compatible with your PC.
  
  

Manually Increase the Size of Your Virtual Memory (Paging File).

• 1). While Windows will automatically increase the size of the paging file the very first time your system runs low on memory, you can increase this size to your own requirements.
  
  
• 2). Click on Start >> Control Panel >> System and Maintenance >> System. Look for "Advanced system settings" in the left pane. Provide a password and confirmation if prompted to.
  
  
• 3). Go to the "Advanced" tab. Click "Settings" under "Performance."
  
  
• 4). Click on the "Advanced" tab. Click "Change" under "Virtual Memory."
  
  
• 5). Clear the check box for "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives."
  
  
• 6). Go to "Drive [Volume Label]." Click on the drive that has the paging file that you want to change.
  
  
• 7). Click on "Custom size," and then type in a new size in the "Initial size (MB)" or the "Maximum size (MB)" box. Click on "Set" and then click on "OK." Restart your computer.
  
  

Use the Event Viewer to Check for any Program Errors and Troubleshooting Information.

• 1). Click on Start >> Control Panel >> System and Maintenance >> Administrative Tools.
  
  
• 2). Double click on " Event Viewer." Click on " Applications and Services Logs" in the left lane, which will display any error events.
  
  
• 3). Double click on the event to see a description of the problem.
  
  
• 4). For troubleshooting information, click on the link for online Help if this is available.