ERROR: System running low on virtual memory

ERROR: System running low on virtual memory - Add memory or disk space

Document number: 29002

The error message you are receiving Your system is running low on virtual memory or Limited Virtual Memory. Your system is running without a properly sized paging file. Please use the virual memory option of the System applet in the control panel to create a paging file, or to increase the intial size of your paging file. or Memory exception breakpoint is most likely due to either insufficient RAM or hard disk space. When the programs you have open demand more memory than you have available in RAM, the operating system uses hard disk space. The amount of hard disk space used is set as virtual memory. If you run out of room on the hard disk for this virtual memory you will get this error.

To resolve this problem take one or more of the following actions:

Increase the size of the swap file (space used on the hard disk). See document 69016 — Machine very slow during boot - change virtual memory.

Delete files you don't need, compress infrequently referenced files or folders to free up hard disk space. For more information see the document 39008 — How to free up some hard disk space.

Defragment your drive. For more information see the document 10031 — How to defragment your drive.
Add more memory (RAM). Click here for Memory upgrade guidelines. It could also be that your existing memory is failing and needs to be replaced. If you are not eligble for a memory upgrade but you are getting this error then you will need open a NorthStar ticket to make an appointment for service. Be sure to include your contact number. Describe the problem in detail, especially the steps you took to try to correct the problem. You will be contacted by the appropriate party. For more information on creating the NorthStar ticket, see Eureka! document 39068 — How to submit a computer or peripheral for repair.
Make sure your service pack and security updates are current. Check the solutions in Eureka document 69017 — How to improve machine performance (speed)

Any of the above actions should correct the problem on at least a temporary basis. The error should not reoccur if enough additional RAM is installed.

Memory upgrade guidelines:

Your request for more memory requires manager approval.
Approval for additional RAM will depend upon the type of machine and whether you need to run a stand alone database. You are probably eligible for additional memory if you have less than 64K RAM. If you have more than 64K RAM you will need to discuss with your manager your business related need for additional memory.
To order additional memory see document 75043 — How to request additional hard disk or RAM).