Not enough memory available to complete this operation.
If you get the error message " Not enough memory available to complete this operation. Quit one or more applications to increase available memory, and then try again." or " Error Not enough space for environment " or " Error Out of environment space" on a regular basis your hard disk may need some maintenance. Optimizing hard disk performance may restore normal operation. If the problem is associated with only one application uninstalling then reinstalling that application often corrects the problem. The problem may also be that you are simply trying to run more than the available memory can handle. Or it may occur because files executed on start-up load more information than your operating environment can handle.
If you have trouble using these solutions because of errors on start-up try first starting Windows without loading start-up programs. Shut down completely (power-off), then restart holding down the { Shift} key as Windows starts. If that does not work you may need to start your machine in Safe Mode. See Eureka! document 69085 — How to start in Safe Mode.
Check Your Hard Disk for Errors
Your operating system has a utility, Scan Disk, that can check the hard disk for bad sectors and other problems. If you continue to receive error messages after resetting, but can get to your programs menu, the utility can sometimes correct those errors. If the errors cannot be corrected the utility may be able to mark those areas as unavailable so that the operating system does not attempt to use them. Running the Scan Disk utility can often repair minor hard disk problems. For more information on checking your hard disk for errors please see the document 69029 — How to check your hard disk for bad sectors and other errors.
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Optimize the Hard Disk Performance
Disk optimization can improve performance by rearranging files on the hard disk, a process called "defragmentation". In some cases it will, at least temporarily, resolve errors generated by insufficient virtual memory. Optimizing the hard disk performance may also help detect and correct corrupt file problems, certain disk errors, and some memory problems. If you have received any of the above errors you should optimize even if it appears that the problem has been corrected. When you have completed the optimization a backup is strongly recommended.
For more information on optimizing the hard disk performance please see the document 10031 — How to defragment your drive.
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Try the solutions in Eureka! document 69017 — How to improve machine performance (speed).
The problem may be that you are trying to run more applications than your system can handle or that you are running out of disk space. This document will take you through a number of possible solutions.
Uninstall the offending program
If you believe the error is related to a particular application you may wish to try uninstalling the program then reinstalling it. If you have recently installed new software then uninstalling that software is a reasonable step to take before rebuilding the entire machine. If a PNU has run recently try re-running the PNU.
For more information on uninstalling and reinstalling software please see the document 69004 — Installing and Uninstalling Software.
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Disconnect any peripherals and try again
Disconnect all external devices such as Jaz Drive, external CD-ROM, Floppy Disk, Palm Cradle, etc. Then reset the machine. If that resolves the problem but the problem returns when the device is reattached then try uninstalling, then reinstalling the device.
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If the above steps did not correct the problem then the machine will need an in person evaluation by your local Network Services. To make an appointment for service open a NorthStar Ticket. Be sure to leave a contact number and describe the problem. You will be contacted by the appropriate party. To open a NorthStar Ticket, click here or see document 70001 — How to create a service request in NorthStar. Note: Even if you have an emergency repair disk you cannot use it directly to restore your machine. If your emergency repair disk is current the technician may find it useful in restoring your machine.
If resetting the machine restored normal operation please take the time to check your hard disk for errors, optimize the hard disk, and back up your data. Also, be sure to watch for unusual messages during start up. Contact Technical Support Operations with any questions.
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Created by the PeopleSoft Knowledge Management Team.
Copyright © 2002-2003
All rights reserved.
Created: db 04/05/2002
Revised: db 02/17/2003