Fix Incorrect virtual memory settings

You may notice unexpected behavior in Access 2003 when the virtual memory setting is too low on your computer. The Windows 2000 operating system [/URL]uses a dynamic virtual memory manager to handle paging file duties. You must use the default virtual memory settings whenever possible.

However, if you suspect that the unexpected behavior in Access 2003 is caused by low virtual memory, you can manually change the virtual memory settings. If the maximum setting for virtual memory is already set, you may have to select a different disk or to remove files from the current disk to increase the disk space that is reserved for extra memory. To increase the disk space that is reserved for virtual memory on your computer, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, double-click System.
3. On the Advanced tab, click Performance Options.
4. In the Performance Options dialog box, click Change.
5. In the Virtual Memory dialog box, select a disk, and then adjust the Initial Size setting and the Maximum Size setting.
6. Click Set, and then click OK.

By default Windows sets the initial size of the pagefile to 1.5 times the size of physical memory or 2GB, whichever is less. But this is with the assumption that the pagefile is allowed to grow if this is needed. If this is prevented, as the author suggests, you risk severe performance degradation or a system crash. The default settings prevent this.

A better way to prevent pagefile resizing is to increase the initial size so that it will never (or rarely) be necessary. When this is done you have a fixed pagefile for all practical purposes. Always set the maximum size to at least twice the initial size. This gives a safety net in case you guess wrong about the initial size. After a reboot (or sooner) t pagefile will revert to it;s initial unfragmented state. There is no reason not avail yourself of this safety net.