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Page File Usage slowly and inexplicably increases over time.

Forum Windows XP : Windows XP General Discussion - Page File Usage slowly and inexplicably increases over time.

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Kamon   01-15-2007 at 02:54:17 AM

Hey guys.

I'm having a bit of trouble. For some reason, over some time while I have my computer on, my Page file usage/commit charge seems to steadily increase, with no explanation, or application to blame. For instance, right now, it's at around 1.37 GB, and the most memory using application currently is Firefox, which is only at 54 MB.

So far, the only way I've been able to solve this is by restarting my computer, but that's a real pain in the rear.

I've tried to pick out some patterns in this, but it's just got me stumped.

Do you all think this is some sort of virus, or do you think it's a crummy Windows installation?

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: I've also tried to use CleanRam to fix the problem, but the program just isn't working right for me.

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Kamon   01-15-2007 at 08:26:46 AM
- 0 +

Quote :

specs please



Alright. I was hesitant, cause I didn't wanna look like I was showing off or anything.

Anyways!

Core 2 Duo E6600
2GB DDR2-800 RAM
Asus P5W DH Deluxe Mobo
XFX 7950GX2
Some 300GB SATA 3.0GB/s Hard-drive.

And I'm running Windows XP Pro SP2.

Anything else? :)

Reply to Kamon
edklite   01-15-2007 at 08:35:17 AM
- 0 +

disable your page file, you don't need it and your PC is not running as fast as it could. disable it and use it for a week and then enable page file again, at that time you will notice the difference between the two and you will never enable page file again. ;) you PC can easily handle it, I have c2d laptop with with 2GB of ram also and page file is disabled, my desktop p4 3.8 4GB of ram and page file disabled, got another older PC p4 2.0 1GB of ram and page file disabled.

once you run your PC for a while without page file and then try and go back to page file you will think your PC has turned into a turtle comparing to page file disabled ;)

set your PC free and write straight to ram, set yourself free ;)

Reply to edklite
pscowboy   01-15-2007 at 08:49:32 AM
- 0 +

If you've got FF open for 3-4 hours doing stuff, that's your culprit. Just come in & out of Firefox every hour or so. That's good practice with IE too.

With 2g of ram, you can force more of it to be accessed by using Ed's suggestion.

Right-click My Computer - Properties - Advanced - Performance Settings - Advanced - Virtual Memory Change. Choose No Pagefile.

XP will set one up anyway, but it will only be 50-60mb, and it'll be dynamic.

Reply to pscowboy
Kamon   01-15-2007 at 05:24:08 PM
- 0 +

Huh! I had never thought of that.

I will give it a try. Thank you all for your help.

EDIT: Wow! My Computer just tore through startup! Crazy! I never knew PF usage could be so hindering.

Anyways, I'll keep an eye on this and see if it help any. Thanks again. :)

Quote :

If you've got FF open for 3-4 hours doing stuff, that's your culprit. Just come in & out of Firefox every hour or so. That's good practice with IE too.



I sorta noticed that Firefox was acting buggy, but for a browser to eat up my computers memory.. It just didn't make sense. :P

Thank you!

Reply to Kamon
Kamon   01-15-2007 at 11:06:37 PM
- 0 +

Hmm. Well, the problem is still occurring, albeit a lot slower now.

Do you guys think that the new firefox has a memory leak or something?

Reply to Kamon
edklite   01-15-2007 at 11:56:48 PM
- 0 +

firefox does use lots of cpu have you tried with opera?

Reply to edklite
Kamon   01-16-2007 at 03:05:20 AM
- 0 +

Well, my CPU usage isn't really being bugged at all, just the commit charge.

It's really puzzling.

But, I dunno.. I really like firefox. Is opera any good?

Reply to Kamon
edklite   01-16-2007 at 05:06:51 AM
- 0 +

If you ask me yes, it can do everything ff can if not better, but becarfull if you use it for a week you may not go back from it ;) :lol:

Reply to edklite
Kamon   01-16-2007 at 07:50:20 PM
- 0 +

Well, I'll give it a go!

Reply to Kamon
Kamon   01-17-2007 at 11:28:14 PM
- 0 +

Well, it isn't just firefox. This is really annoying. =\

Does anyone have any other recommendations, or do I have to reinstall windows? Maybe a repair installation?

Reply to Kamon
pscowboy   01-18-2007 at 01:23:26 AM
- 0 +

Go to Start - Run - and type msconfig.

Disable all your Startup programs except your anti-virus. Reboot.

Monitor the pagefile commit for 2-3 hour stretches.

As long as it remains low, bring back one program at a time every 3 hours - rebooting after each enable.

Hopefully this may find the culprit.

Reply to pscowboy
Kamon   01-18-2007 at 10:39:13 AM
- 0 +

Quote :

Go to Start - Run - and type msconfig.

Disable all your Startup programs except your anti-virus. Reboot.

Monitor the pagefile commit for 2-3 hour stretches.

As long as it remains low, bring back one program at a time every 3 hours - rebooting after each enable.

Hopefully this may find the culprit.



Haha, alright.

Good thing I don't have any classes today.

Reply to Kamon
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