64 bit windows XP and Virtual Memory-- Problems

[Matt L]

I put together a new system with a 64 bit AMD processor. I downloaded the trial version of XP 64 bit and have been having problems memory allocation almost since the beginning. I was running XP Pro on my old Pentium III 1mhz system with 384M of memory for years without a problem. My new system has 1G of memory. With both systems I allocate a separate partition on my hard drive just for the page file.

What is different with 64 bit XP that makes it a memory hog? When my trial period runs out I think I will dump the 64 bit version and go with the Media edition, I'm staying far away for Vista.


My problem is almost constant messages I'm low on virtual memory and windows is increasing the size. today I got a message that I was out of virtual memory and several apps crashed.

 

[hennessy1]

im not sure what you mean i have 8gb of memory and a system managed page file and on start up i only use 500-600mb of memory

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: Matt L
I put together a new system with a 64 bit AMD processor. I downloaded the trial version of XP 64 bit and have been having problems memory allocation almost since the beginning. I was running XP Pro on my old Pentium III 1mhz system with 384M of memory for years without a problem. My new system has 1G of memory. With both systems I allocate a separate partition on my hard drive just for the page file.

What is different with 64 bit XP that makes it a memory hog? When my trial period runs out I think I will dump the 64 bit version and go with the Media edition, I'm staying far away for Vista.

You never actually state what the problem is... Perhaps you can mention that so we can try to help.

A couple of notes:

a) Seperate partition for paging file - unneeded tends to slow the system down not up
b) Staying away from Vista - this is the OS you should be running on that box, not the orphaned XP64

 

[hennessy1]

I am also running the x64 xp and it is very stable but as in terms of futureability and practicallity I hate to admitt it but vista x64 is the way to go. But I would stay away until a service pack comes out. The software compatibility that you see on xp x64 will most likely resemble what you see on x64 vista. Hardware will work better as in terms of drivers. But any programs that don't work on 64 bit is a universal problem not just xp.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: hennessy1
I am also running the x64 xp and it is very stable but as in terms of futureability and practicallity I hate to admitt it but vista x64 is the way to go. But I would stay away until a service pack comes out. The software compatibility that you see on xp x64 will most likely resemble what you see on x64 vista. Hardware will work better as in terms of drivers. But any programs that don't work on 64 bit is a universal problem not just xp.

Vista 64 is already more compatible than XP64, a lot more drivers are available due to the HCL requirements and the facts it's considered a mainstream OS by the large vendors.

 

[Matt L]

Hey, sorry, was heading out and just did a quick post. the problem is I get almost constant messages the they system is low on virtual memory and is increasing swap space. This morning I came down to a message that Windows was out of virtual memory and my anti virus and a few other programs crashed.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: Matt L
Hey, sorry, was heading out and just did a quick post. the problem is I get almost constant messages the they system is low on virtual memory and is increasing swap space. This morning I came down to a message that Windows was out of virtual memory and my anti virus and a few other programs crashed.

Not overly surprising. 1gig is extremely low for XP64 (I wouldnt personally touch it with below 2, but would prefer 4 or more). Bear in mind that even binaries are bigger by twice and those are paged in. Almost everything has a larger overhead (but the counter point is your no longer restricted to 4gig of memory). Frankly your machine is just doesnt have enough memory to be viable on XP64. Add another 1gig and I think the situation will seem much better.

 

[hennessy1]

I would concure. DDR2 memory is very cheap now so it would be even viable to but a 2gb kit or even 4gb kit. But even another stick is ok to. If you wanted you can increase your page file size to.

 

[Matt L]

Interesting, thanks for the input. I never gave a thought to 64 bit apps needing more memory. As I posted earlier I don't think I'll stick with XP 64. there are a few apps I need that wont work under XP 64 bit and I really don't want to buy more memory. So XP Media edition it will be.

Thanks!