Windows low on memory

[LwnmwnMan2]

What does this mean.

I don't get it all the time, but periodically on the desktop that I use for a quasi server for my home network.

I basically access the desktop through Logmein with the laptop or my Droid, every once in a while I'll actually go downstairs and use the desktop itself, but not very often.

It'll happen usually when I close out my Microsoft Publisher, I'll get "Windows is low on memory. Please close other programs and then continue working".

Do I need more RAM? More speed on the CPU? A new desktop?

It's a solid 10 years old, I know I bought it a) not long after I got married and from CompUSA and they've been gone for a while now.

Any thoughts?

[spearchucker]

Just what it says "Low on memory". Something is eating up RAM on that machine. How much is in it? If it is 10 years old it may not have much RAM. You can increase the virtual memory setting, but that really isn't going to help anything. Make sure everything is updated on it as some app that is running may have a memory leak that uses up RAM over a period of time without releasing it back when done with it.

[pureinsanity]

something is using the ram up. publisher might be the culprit. Also if you leave a computer on all the time that can slow it down over time as well as just it being old and out dated

[upnorth]

I would start with rebooting it on a regular basis. Normally you see that when it windows has been up for too long without a reboot.

[swamptiger]

Don't know what version of Windows you're running, but I would start by clearing all the temporary files and cookies. Then remove any add-ons like search engine toolbars that didn't come with the original software. Go into your task manager and take a look to see what's using the most memory. If there's anything you don't need, delete or uninstall it. Then do a Windows update. When you get done, reboot the computer.

[upnorth]

Another thing to consider is windows uses virtual memory better if it has contiguous disk space available. Try a defrag, could be the disk is really fragmented and not giving windows enough contiguous space to deal with.

[delcecchi]

Don't forget to do a good virus check. Run the microsoft live check and the malicious software removal tool in addition.