Short form: I want to use a 16GB USB flash drive memory stick as RAM, but seem to be unable to use more than 4GB, due to the system requirements, limiting what I can enter for values (size). WHY?? More detail: The computer is a desktop machine, having a 3.0GHz dual-core processor, and 4GB RAM installed. I believe the hard drive is a 1T. I have a 16GB USB flash drive memory stick, which I want to use to boost the RAM, for games, and such. There are 3 spare USB ports on the back of the tower. The flash drive is new, with NO files saved on it. When I go into the Settings; Computer; Virtual Memory, the computer is not allowing me to enter a value greater than 4096 in the field for "Initial Size" or "Maximum Size", for the Page File of the USB drive. The Value for C: that I see is: "2096-4092". Main Question: Is there some reason why I cannot allocate more of the memory stick for RAM? (Does the flash drive need to be formatted?) Does the values for C: need to be changed? I presently have "4090" entered for values "Initial Size" and "Maximum Size" in the custom size, for the Page File of the USB Drive. Screenshot provided of Virtual Memory Settings screen: (you can see the L: drive settings (selected), and the C: settings, also) http://prntscr.com/336ocy Question 2: Also, is the "4G" of RAM which I have added to the machine, being added to the 4GB which is already installed in the tower? Question 3: Does the OS wait until the system RAM is full before using the External RAM? Thanks! edit to add: What I learned from Microsoft article "How To Set Performance Options in Windows XP": http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308417/en-us To manually change the size of virtual memory, follow these steps: ... Note After you change the size of the paging file, you may be prompted to restart Windows. If you are prompted to restart, the changes will not take effect until Windows is restarted. ... To have Windows select the best paging file size, click System managed size. The recommended minimum size is the same as 1.5 times the RAM on your computer, and 3 times that figure for the maximum size. For example, if you have 256 MB of RAM, the minimum size is 384 MB, and the maximum size is 1152 MB. For best performance, do not set the initial size to less than the minimum recommended size under Total paging file size for all drives. The recommended size is the same as 1.5 times the RAM on your computer. It is good practice to leave the paging file at its recommended size as performance can decrease if a paging file is too large. However, you may increase its size if you frequently use programs that use lots of memory , such as graphics programs or games. What I am unclear of here, is that, as you can see in the screenshot, the Recommended Size under Total paging file size for all drives is 3019M. And, the values set for the Paging File in C are 2046-4092 . The tower has been rebuilt, and has 4GB RAM . I do not know if these numbers reflect an original build of 2GB, whereas 3GB (3019M) would be 1.5 times the installed RAM, perhaps. Under Virtual Memory, I see the following (shown in screenshot): Drive C Space available: 725194MB *Custom Size Initial Size: 2046 Maximum Size: 4092 Total paging file size for all Drives Minimum allowed: 2MB Recommended: 3019MB Currently Allocated: 2046MB Given that the system has 4GB RAM installed, shouldn't the minimum be 1.5 times that value, or ~6000MB ? (not 3019MB), and the maximum be 3 times ? (not 4092) "The recommended minimum size is the same as 1.5 times the RAM on your computer, and 3 times that figure for the maximum size." Can I change the values on the Virtual memory for C drive to 2046-12000MB ? That is what I am reading from the article. But, it also says to not have a paging file on the same drive as the programs. "Try to avoid having a paging file on the same drive as the system files, usually drive C." Also, why am I unable to enter values greater than 4096 for the USB drive in Initial or Maximum? I also have a question as to whether I should select "Programs" or "System Cache" in memory usage, due to the cache requirements of games, running very few programs. edit 2: I learned that the usb drive needs to be formatted in NTFS, so I did that, which isn't easy, as that isn't a selection in the choices in the Format menu, without going into Device Mgr. A friend was telling me about formatting a usb drive ex-fat for a newer application, and got me thinking. I had selected FAT32 for this one, and had noticed no change in the page file graph usage after adding the drive, like it wasn't getting any data placed on it. So, as custom settings for this USB drive, I have the Initial value at 4091 and the Maximum at 4096, with "System Cache" selected as opposed to "Programs" in Memory usage, in Performance settings. Any answers or tips would be appreciated. Am I on the right track?

Do you have SLI cards in that machine? Because the operating system is only "seeing" and using about 2GB of the 4GB installed, so either you have an awful lot of reserved hardware address, the kind that would only be used by dual graphic cards and other demanding hardware or you have defective memory sticks! Right-click on "My Computer and select Properties, how much RAM do you see reported on the General tab? When you boot the computer does the BIOS POST show all the RAM correctly? John

How do I find the BIOS startup? I'd really like to get this issue fixed, properly. On the RAMDisk, I have read, and re-read the first article (I linked it 2 or 3 comments back), and the comments seem to be very conflicting regarding how to use the RAMDisk. (PF, browser cache, temp) I am thinking that I should leave the C: Drive PF settings alone, Add a 3G RAMDisk and allocate 1G of it for PF in virtual Memory, the articles which I have read suggest diverting browser cache to RAMDisk, and also TMP and TEMP to RAMDisk. I was under the impression, from reading (and I will go back through this entire thread, as well, John, as you have provided a lot of information), that XP only "sees", or rather, utilizes 3GB of my 4GB installed RAM. I am reading your comment here over and over again, to make sure I understand what you mean. "Make sure that it is actually using the unaddressed RAM in the upper arena (above the 4GB address range) rather than the addressed RAM in the lower arena that is already available to the operating system." Some commentors and articles say to turn the paging file OFF on the C: drive, using only the RAMDIsk. I am not sure about this. I noticed the Commit Charge in Task Manager, during a session yesterday, approaching 2.85G. I took a screenshot, showing all of the values. This is with 2 browsers open, two 'users' in each; in essence 4 broswers. One tab in each, ecxept for this tab with a couple articles open to read. (Chrome-based broswers; COmodo Dragon and Coowon)

I was able to get the RamDisk to install. I will configure the PF values for that tomorrow, as well. Make sure that it is actually using the unaddressed RAM in the upper arena (above the 4GB address range) rather than the addressed RAM in the lower arena that is already available to the operating system. John

Okay. I am no longer being asked which Windows I want to select (because I removed the second one). "Verify my startup order in the BIOS" Hmm. I will have to search to find where that is. When I select "SATA", it is this: SATA:3M-ST31000520AS I will have to check that tomorrow. Thanks for all your help today, John! I hope you can help me more. Isn't it amazing what a bunch of numbers, letters and symbols can do? Stilll nothing more than a calculator, right? BIOS startup order... I'll be dreaming about that tonight : ) edit to add: I was able to get the RamDisk to install. I will configure the PF values for that tomorrow, as well.

These are two different distinct menus, the first one with the SATA message is from the BIOS, verify your startup order in the BIOS to see if you can set this to a default boot device without being prompted. The second menu asking you which Windows XP installation to boot is presented by the Windows boot loader (Ntldr) when it parses the boot.ini file. You can have up to 10 entries in the boot.ini file, this could be used to boot different Windows installation on different partitions or it could be used to boot the same installation to different configurations, the following are examples of valid boot.ini files: Booting two different installations on different partitions: [boot loader] timeout=30 default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS [operating systems] multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP #1" /fastdetect multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP #2" /fastdetect To boot the above 2 operating system but with PAE on or off: [boot loader] timeout=30 default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS [operating systems] multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Windows XP #1 PAE Off" /fastdetect multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Windows XP #1 PAE On" /fastdetect /PAE multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Windows XP #2 PAE Off" /fastdetect multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Windows XP #2 PAE On" /fastdetect /PAE Note that the text between the quotation marks ("Microsoft Windows XP #1") is for human eyes only, you can enter your own description to help you identify the operating system, the following would be valid: [boot loader] timeout=30 default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS [operating systems] multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Ann's Windows Installation" /fastdetect multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="John's Windows Installation" /fastdetect John

Having trouble: Adding RAM with a USB memory stick to a Windows XP desktop that has 4GB installed

Anonymous

Short form:

I want to use a 16GB USB flash drive memory stick as RAM, but seem to be unable to use more than 4GB, due to the system requirements, limiting what I can enter for values (size). WHY??

More detail:

The computer is a desktop machine, having a 3.0GHz dual-core processor, and 4GB RAM installed. I believe the hard drive is a 1T.

I have a 16GB USB flash drive memory stick, which I want to use to boost the RAM, for games, and such. There are 3 spare USB ports on the back of the tower. The flash drive is new, with NO files saved on it.

When I go into the Settings; Computer; Virtual Memory, the computer is not allowing me to enter a value greater than 4096 in the field for "Initial Size" or "Maximum Size", for the Page File of the USB drive.

The Value for C: that I see is: "2096-4092".

Main Question:

Is there some reason why I cannot allocate more of the memory stick for RAM?

(Does the flash drive need to be formatted?)

Does the values for C: need to be changed?

I presently have "4090" entered for values "Initial Size" and "Maximum Size" in the custom size, for the Page File of the USB Drive.

Screenshot provided of Virtual Memory Settings screen: (you can see the L: drive settings (selected), and the C: settings, also)

http://prntscr.com/336ocy

Question 2:

Also, is the "4G" of RAM which I have added to the machine, being added to the 4GB which is already installed in the tower?

Question 3:

Does the OS wait until the system RAM is full before using the External RAM?

Thanks!

edit to add:

What I learned from Microsoft article "How To Set Performance Options in Windows XP":

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308417/en-us

To manually change the size of virtual memory, follow these steps:

...Note After you change the size of the paging file, you may be prompted to restart Windows. If you are prompted to restart, the changes will not take effect until Windows is restarted.

...

To have Windows select the best paging file size, click System managed size. The recommended minimum size is the same as 1.5 times the RAM on your computer, and 3 times that figure for the maximum size. For example, if you have 256 MB of RAM, the minimum size is 384 MB, and the maximum size is 1152 MB.
For best performance, do not set the initial size to less than the minimum recommended size under Total paging file size for all drives. The recommended size is the same as 1.5 times the RAM on your computer. It is good practice to leave the paging file at its recommended size as performance can decrease if a paging file is too large. However, you may increase its size if you frequently use programs that use lots of memory, such as graphics programs or games.

What I am unclear of here, is that, as you can see in the screenshot, the Recommended Size under Total paging file size for all drives is 3019M.

And, the values set for the Paging File in C are 2046-4092.

The tower has been rebuilt, and has 4GB RAM.

I do not know if these numbers reflect an original build of 2GB, whereas 3GB (3019M) would be 1.5 times the installed RAM, perhaps.

Under Virtual Memory, I see the following (shown in screenshot):

Drive C

Space available: 725194MB

*Custom Size

Initial Size: 2046

Maximum Size: 4092

Total paging file size for all Drives

Minimum allowed: 2MB

Recommended: 3019MB

Currently Allocated: 2046MB

Given that the system has 4GB RAM installed, shouldn't the minimum be 1.5 times that value, or ~6000MB ? (not 3019MB), and the maximum be 3 times ? (not 4092)

"The recommended minimum size is the same as 1.5 times the RAM on your computer, and 3 times that figure for the maximum size."

Can I change the values on the Virtual memory for C drive to 2046-12000MB ?

That is what I am reading from the article. But, it also says to not have a paging file on the same drive as the programs.

"Try to avoid having a paging file on the same drive as the system files, usually drive C."

Also, why am I unable to enter values greater than 4096 for the USB drive in Initial or Maximum?

I also have a question as to whether I should select "Programs" or "System Cache" in memory usage, due to the cache requirements of games, running very few programs.

edit 2:

I learned that the usb drive needs to be formatted in NTFS, so I did that, which isn't easy, as that isn't a selection in the choices in the Format menu, without going into Device Mgr.

A friend was telling me about formatting a usb drive ex-fat for a newer application, and got me thinking. I had selected FAT32 for this one, and had noticed no change in the page file graph usage after adding the drive, like it wasn't getting any data placed on it.

So, as custom settings for this USB drive, I have the Initial value at 4091 and the Maximum at 4096, with "System Cache" selected as opposed to "Programs" in Memory usage, in Performance settings.

Any answers or tips would be appreciated.

Am I on the right track?

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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149 answers

Anonymous

2014-03-24T18:49:54+00:00

Do you have SLI cards in that machine? Because the operating system is only "seeing" and using about 2GB of the 4GB installed, so either you have an awful lot of reserved hardware address, the kind that would only be used by dual graphic cards and other demanding hardware or you have defective memory sticks! Right-click on "My Computer and select Properties, how much RAM do you see reported on the General tab? When you boot the computer does the BIOS POST show all the RAM correctly?

John
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Anonymous

2014-03-24T18:17:14+00:00

How do I find the BIOS startup? I'd really like to get this issue fixed, properly.

On the RAMDisk, I have read, and re-read the first article (I linked it 2 or 3 comments back), and the comments seem to be very conflicting regarding how to use the RAMDisk. (PF, browser cache, temp)

I am thinking that I should leave the C: Drive PF settings alone,

Add a 3G RAMDisk and allocate 1G of it for PF in virtual Memory,

the articles which I have read suggest diverting browser cache to RAMDisk,

and also TMP and TEMP to RAMDisk.

I was under the impression, from reading (and I will go back through this entire thread, as well, John, as you have provided a lot of information), that XP only "sees", or rather, utilizes 3GB of my 4GB installed RAM.

I am reading your comment here over and over again, to make sure I understand what you mean.

"Make sure that it is actually using the unaddressed RAM in the upper arena (above the 4GB address range) rather than the addressed RAM in the lower arena that is already available to the operating system."

Some commentors and articles say to turn the paging file OFF on the C: drive, using only the RAMDIsk. I am not sure about this.

I noticed the Commit Charge in Task Manager, during a session yesterday, approaching 2.85G. I took a screenshot, showing all of the values.

This is with 2 browsers open, two 'users' in each; in essence 4 broswers. One tab in each, ecxept for this tab with a couple articles open to read. (Chrome-based broswers; COmodo Dragon and Coowon)
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Anonymous

2014-03-24T10:31:34+00:00

I was able to get the RamDisk to install. I will configure the PF values for that tomorrow, as well.

Make sure that it is actually using the unaddressed RAM in the upper arena (above the 4GB address range) rather than the addressed RAM in the lower arena that is already available to the operating system.

John
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Anonymous

2014-03-24T04:19:29+00:00

Okay.

I am no longer being asked which Windows I want to select (because I removed the second one).

"Verify my startup order in the BIOS"

Hmm. I will have to search to find where that is. When I select "SATA", it is this:

SATA:3M-ST31000520AS

I will have to check that tomorrow.

Thanks for all your help today, John! I hope you can help me more. Isn't it amazing what a bunch of numbers, letters and symbols can do? Stilll nothing more than a calculator, right?

BIOS startup order... I'll be dreaming about that tonight : )

edit to add:

I was able to get the RamDisk to install. I will configure the PF values for that tomorrow, as well.
Was this answer helpful?

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Anonymous

2014-03-24T03:23:56+00:00

These are two different distinct menus, the first one with the SATA message is from the BIOS, verify your startup order in the BIOS to see if you can set this to a default boot device without being prompted.

The second menu asking you which Windows XP installation to boot is presented by the Windows boot loader (Ntldr) when it parses the boot.ini file. You can have up to 10 entries in the boot.ini file, this could be used to boot different Windows installation on different partitions or it could be used to boot the same installation to different configurations, the following are examples of valid boot.ini files:

Booting two different installations on different partitions:

[boot loader]

timeout=30

default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS

[operating systems]

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP #1" /fastdetect

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP #2" /fastdetect

To boot the above 2 operating system but with PAE on or off:

[boot loader]

timeout=30

default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS

[operating systems]

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Windows XP #1 PAE Off" /fastdetect

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Windows XP #1 PAE On" /fastdetect /PAE

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Windows XP #2 PAE Off" /fastdetect

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Windows XP #2 PAE On" /fastdetect /PAE

Note that the text between the quotation marks ("Microsoft Windows XP #1") is for human eyes only, you can enter your own description to help you identify the operating system, the following would be valid:

[boot loader]

timeout=30

default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS

[operating systems]

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Ann's Windows Installation" /fastdetect

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="John's Windows Installation" /fastdetect

John
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