Trying to finish a task, like saving a final version of a PDF file or something similar, is not fun when you come across an “out of memory” error.  In order to keep from seeing the “out of memory” error and keep your programs functioning efficiently, follow a few of our guidelines.

Memories…  When You Run out of Memory

There are various types of memories–physical memory, random-access memory, and virtual memory–which all work together to store your data and allow you to access it.  The physical memory stores your files, the random-access memory (RAM) helps you retrieve what you need quickly, and the virtual memory, a quirky combination of RAM and physical memory, extends the amount of RAM you have into the physical kind to allow you to run more and bigger programs.

In order to stay on top of how much memory you need, you can do a few things to monitor the amount you are using.  First, if your machine is running more slowly than it used to, Microsoft says this can be a tip-off that you are getting low on space.  Also, that CTRL-ALT-DEL combo will bring up Windows Task Manager, which will show you how much memory you’re using with any given combination of programs.

Types of Memory Errors and What to Do

Various scenarios can trigger an “out of memory” error.  It might be that you have simply used up what you have, in which case, the easy solution is to get more.  This may be in the form of physical disk space (install another hard drive?) or allowing more RAM space on your disk (which can be configured).

Sometimes an “out of memory” error really means you have too much of one type of memory.  If your machine is set to have too much RAM, then not enough virtual memory will be available for larger tasks like saving files to the physical memory.  For a detailed instructions to reconfigure this, search the Microsoft Support Center.  But be warned, it involves editing the registry–make sure you’ve backed up the registry first.

So You Think You Have a Memory Error

It may be that the signs you’re noticing are not really “out of memory” errors after all.  Unless you actually have had an “out of memory” error message occur on your PC, it may be that the slowness you are experiencing is actually a symptom of registry errors lurking on your machine.

Since no tools are included with your PC to clean out the registry, it holds onto old data and errors until you do something about it, which slows the computer down.  Run a registry cleaner to fix the “out of memory” error and remove computer slowness.

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