Computer Memory Upgrade

An install guide on how to add or upgrade computer memory

Computer Memory Upgrade Install Guide

Fix For "Out Of Memory" Error On Windows 98/98SE/ME Systems With More Than 512MB Of RAM

Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows ME have a bug that can occur in systems with more than 512MB of RAM. The bug results in the computer reporting an "Out Of Memory" condition when one should not occur. In fact, it's usually first noticed when RAM has been added to the computer such that it now exceeds 512MB. If the computer has 512MB of RAM or less then this bug does not occur.

The bug occurs because these Windows operating systems will incorrectly reserve too much memory to be used as a temporary cache. The bug can be corrected by editing the system.ini file to limit the amount of memory Windows is allowed to reserve for the cache.

Click START then select RUN, then type in sysedit in the text box. Click the OK button.

A set of windows, one per system configuration file, is shown like this:

Computer Memory Upgrade - Out Of Memory Error

Click on the window titled c:\windows\system.ini to bring it to the top. Scroll down the window until you see a line that reads like this:
[vcache]


In most systems it is followed by a blank line. Add a line below it such that it looks as follows:
[vcache]
MaxFileCache=524288


The value being entered is the maximum amount of cache in kilobytes (K) that windows is allowed to reserve. This value translate into 512MB. Windows should be limited to something like 70% of the total system memory for the cache. Since computers that have more than 512MB of RAM typically have 768MB or 1024MB (1GB), a value of 512MB works out just fine in nearly all cases. Under no circumstances should it be set to more than 512MB.

If no [vcache] entry is present in the file then add the two lines at the bottom of the file.

Here's how mine looked after making the changes:

Computer Memory Upgrade - Out Of Memory Error

Save the changes by clicking on File and then Save. Close Sysedit by clicking on File and then Exit. Reboot the computer so the change goes into effect.




Skip Ahead

  How To Add Or Upgrade System Memory (RAM) For Your Computer - Home
  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
  Fix For "Out Of Memory" Error On Windows 98/98SE/ME Systems With More Than 512MB Of RAM
  Windows Problems With 4GB Of RAM
  DDR, DDR2 Computer Memory Upgrade
  Computer Preparation
  Inside The Computer Case
  The Computer Memory Slots
  The Computer RAM - DDR, DDR2 Memory Modules
  Antistatic Wrist Strap
  Installing The Computer RAM - DDR, DDR2 Memory Module
  Installing The Computer RAM - DDR, DDR2 Memory Module (continued)
  Final Computer Steps
  How To Change The Virtual Memory Swap File Size


© 2001-2010, Rob Williams, all rights reserved.
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