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    Pagefiling

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by fred2028, Aug 15, 2008.

  1. fred2028

    fred2028 Sexy member

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    I have 3 GB DDR2 RAM and 4 GB of ReadyBoost on an SD card. I have just under 6 GB of pagefile and only 1 GB is used. Would it be wise to disable page filing in order to reduce HDD access and prolong battery life? What would be the negative implications of this? Thanks!
     
    fred2028, Aug 15, 2008
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  2. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    You should let Windows manage pagefile.
     
    powerpack, Aug 15, 2008
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  3. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Well, the pagefile is there to be used only when you do not have enough RAM. It is a virtual RAM chip. Also, some programs (few, but some) require you to have a large enough pagefile.

    Disabling it is risky. With it enabled, if you run out of RAM you just start hitting your hard drive occasionally. When disabled, you will get an 'out of memory' error message and will probably have to reboot the PC and you will have to lose all your work. If a program requests pagefile access, and it is disabled...the program will probably just crash and you'll also lose work.

    Also, readyboost caches your hard drive...it doesn't technically give you more RAM... so don't think you have 7GB of RAM (RAM+SD) just lying around.
     
    Greg, Aug 15, 2008
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  4. fred2028

    fred2028 Sexy member

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    Oh OK thanks guys.
     
    fred2028, Aug 15, 2008
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