Getting the “Your System is Low on Virtual Memory” error is very frustrating. Fortunately, it will not destroy the computer. It merely indicates that the computer no longer has any memory to run the process requested and is trying to use virtual memory, but even that is running low because the program requires too much. This typically happens when numerous programs are being run or a program that has a glitch in it is running.

Virtual memory (file swap or page swap) is a file on the hard drive. Its default location is C:pagefile.sys. Windows accesses this file when the physical memory—RAM—is being used up and the computer needs a little more. The computer cannot tell the difference between physical and virtual memory, therefore the process can be completed. However, the user can tell the difference because virtual memory is slower. To be safe, it is recommended that the virtual memory file be 1.5X the size of the physical memory. If there are 2GB of RAM, there should also be 3GB of virtual memory for a total memory of 5GB.Your System is Low on Virtual Memory

How to Fix Low Virtual Memory

To fix a low virtual memory error, one needs to first determine which program is using memory. To do this, hit CTL + Alt + Delete. Then go to the task manager. Click view and then the bottom option to choose the columns. Select virtual memory. This will show the programs that are using the most memory. For example, if Firefox.exe pops up, it means that the Firefox web browser is consuming virtual memory and cannot sustain itself.

To fix it, uninstall the program and then reinstall it. An application may have been added to the browser or it might just have a fault in the coding. Chances are that a new version may have been released, which can be used instead of the older one. This should fix the virtual memory depletion problem. Also, restart the computer from time to time. Although it is harmless to run the computer for a long time, the longer it runs, the more memory is needed to sustain it. This is why the computer has to be restarted after a while.

The best way to prevent low virtual memory is to increase the RAM in the computer. Once the RAM in the computer is increased, it will not be necessary to access the virtual memory. Even if virtual memory is accessed, it will be much bigger. Therefore, the programs on the computer will not deplete it. However, if the same program keeps consuming too much memory, it might be a good idea to get rid of the program. It is much cheaper to get rid of a program than it is to buy new RAM.