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Has anyone added more memory to their computer? What was involved, how much did this cost and how long did it take? I found this information below and was wondering if this procedure does help. My system.. HP Pavilion Intel (R) Celeron (R) 2.70 GHz 2>69 GHx...248 MB of Ram. What would be the correct way to adjust the memory size according to the info below. Has anyone else done this?



This document applies to HP and Compaq computers with Windows XP.

The following error message displays:

Your system is low on virtual memory. Windows is increasing the size of your virtual memory paging file.

This error message is normal when the computer has the virtual memory set to a custom size that is too small and the amount of memory being requested by software programs exceeds that amount. This happens more often when scanning in large pictures in high resolutions, working with video files, or working with very large files. It can also occur with Norton Internet Services 2002.

Modify the Virtual Memory settings In Windows XP, set the virtual memory setting as follows:



Click Start , and then click Control Panel .

Double-click the System icon, and then click the Advanced tab.

Under Performance option, click the Settings button .

Click the Advanced tab, and then click the Change button under Virtual Memory .

Select System Managed Size if it is not already selected. This is the preferred setting.

Optionally, you can adjust this setting manually by selecting Custom, entering numbers into the two fields under Custom, and then click the Set button:


In the first field, the number should be twice the amount of system memory (in MBs).

In the second field, the number should be four times the amount of system memory (in MBs).


Click OK and restart the computer.

So you currently have a 256 MB ram stick.

Virtual memory is basically space on the hard drive that the computer uses, like memory.

You can increase it to half of your free disk space if you want to, but that could cause other problems.

a Gig or two (2048 Mb = 2 Gig) would be useful.

However 256 Meg of memory (real memory) os hardly adequate for Win XP.

1 Gig would be better. (2 Gig even better)

First step is to look on HP web site to see what style, specifically, of RAM that PC uses.

You will need the exact model number from the label on the back (or bottom)

even 1 GB would be a vast improvement for you.

It is relatively simple to swap RAM on most PC's.

Remove the power cored (safety). Remove the case cover. find the RAM module(s)

There is a spring clip at each end of the module, that will release the module. move the card until it is perpendicular to the motherboard. and ease it out.

Look at the connector pins on the card and verify that the new RAM has exactly the same type of connector. If not, you got the wrong memory stick. (Go back to HP and get correct stick)

Place the new Memory in the slot, and push down into position. the clips should snap into place.

Replace cover, connect power, and power up

Adding more memory to a machine is easy as long as you're happy to open it up.

If you only have 256 MB fitted then that is far too low, you need 1GB as a minimum and it is the lack of physical memory that is causing the reported problem with virtual memory - update the one and the system will automatically update the other.



What model of pavilion is it - with that I can tell you the spec of memory you need to order. Over here I would expect to pay between £20 and £30 for 2GB which should make it feel like a new machine. From what I've seen you casn translate that straight from GBP to USD.

More on Virtual Memory.

Windoze recommends "system managed"

I recommend setting the size yourself.

Click the Custom Size. Then in the initial size set it to 2048. Maximum to the same, or more. (I have 4096)

This, of course assumes you have enough free hard drive space.

Click the set button.

One problem with HP is they will charge you 5 times the market for memory.

Crucial Memory has a web site where you can scan you PC and they will tell you what mem you need.

RAM Memory Upgrade: Dell, Mac, Apple, HP, Compaq. USB drives, SSD at Crucial.com

I seem to be low on short term memory, Any advice?

A little gingko might help........

chonsigirl;1390768 wrote: A little gingko might help........


Sounds like a Hobbit..LOL

LarsMac;1390753 wrote: More on Virtual Memory.

Windoze recommends "system managed"

I recommend setting the size yourself.

Click the Custom Size. Then in the initial size set it to 2048. Maximum to the same, or more. (I have 4096)

This, of course assumes you have enough free hard drive space.



Click the set button.




I have 15.9 GB free hard drive space. Is that enough?

along-for-the-ride;1390821 wrote: I have 15.9 GB free hard drive space. Is that enough?


Well, start out with 1G Virtual Mem. Set it to 1024. Both, starting and Max.

With your 256 M at the moment, that is 4 times your RAM. Should be plenty.

When you get more mem, bump the VM up to double your RAM.

Depending on what you do with your PC, you should be OK.

Your not planning on installing anything like Halo, or Skyrim, right?

Nope, not planning to install Halo or Skyrim......don't know what they are anyways...........lol

Thank you all for your input.

I'm going to try your suggestion LarsMac.