Computer memory problem

KimRaye

DIS Oldtimer and Threadkiller
Joined
Apr 29, 2001
Messages
14,077
How do I clear up some space in my computer's memory? What files do I delete and, how do I start locating all the junk?

I defrag'd a couple of hours ago and, it at least let me run the DIS and get my email but, I fear I've got WAY TOO MUCH junk that I obviously don't need.

Any help, even some small files, would help me. Thanks!

Kim
 
Be very very careful!!!! Its so easy to delete the wrong thing. (see me...I know! ) Have you cleared your cookies lately? Are you storing music on your computer?
I'm not a techie type person but these would be the first things to go if I was having that trouble. Lots of luck!
 
Kim, are you out of space on your hard drive (getting "low on virtual memory" errors) or are you just having a slow performance? If you are running low on virtual memory or out of hard drive space then honestly I would just go through "add/remove software" in your control panel and delete programs you know you don't use. That's a pretty safe way to delete something. If you are just having slow performance you might need to add more memory. I hope that made some sense and PM me if you want some more help :)
 
As Elaine said, you need to know if you are running low on storage memory (hard disc storage) or resource memory. Don't you use ME? If so, that has a very tough time managing RAM type memory, that where your programs actually run.

Do you or Matt download music, as Snugs mentioned? They take up about 5 megs each. That eats very quickly into your hard drive storage.

Give Elaine a PM, she has helped me several times, she a techie, and she has Luis as backup. :)

This might help you a bit also.

http://www.howstuffworks.com/computer-memory.htm
 

I sent you a PM, Kim, but thought of something else. If you have a scanner, you may have a bunch of large files you're not using. Mine creates a temporary BMP file for each pix scanned. When I save them, I always save JPG which is smaller. Those BMPs can be 5MB each. If you scan . . . do a search for BMP files & see what folders they're in. If you have a lot in a folder related to your scanner, you could view them & delete any you don't want. Mine all come up with names like "CREAT001.BMP"

Deb
 
ME is a disaster at memory management. I have to reboot frequently as resources are too low and I have 256MB of very fast RAM. Anyway, try these.

1. Go to Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup and run that program.

2. Right click on the Explorer icon on your desktop, click on Properties, and find Delete files and Clear History. Run both. Adjust down the number of days you keep pages in history.

3. Right click on Start. Click on Explore. Find cookies in the Windows menu and delete the cookies, you can leave the index file. When you do this you will lose all auto log on and other custom settings for internet use (you will have to rekey them when you log on).

4. Advanced use advice. Look in the sytem tray at the bottom of your screen. There are icons next to the Start button and icons on the right side. Delete any that are not necessary and remove them from your start up directory. Each one eats into your memory resources. Be careful you don't delete something important.

5. Buy and install a program like Norton's Internet Security to ensure that you do not have a virus in your system that is eating up memory. It also protects your system from hackers. It is not expensive.

6. Back up your My Documents folder before you do anything as a safeguard. Software can be reloaded (although it is a pain at times) but data files are precious and if lost often unretrievable.

Good luck.
 
Thank you everyone for the advice here and, in PM's. I've recovered ALOT of space and, if I wasn't so chicken, I know I could recover even more! ;) (piratesmate)

We don't even do the music or the scanner/pics so, I guess it was a bunch of cookies and default settings (from almost 3 years of use) that I deleted, as well as some games. I know if the games are ever played again, we'll have to download them again but, with the games I deleted, it's doubtful. DD Kelly is really the only one that plays games so, I saved hers. :)

JimC, #3 was also a big one and, I may have to re-enter some logins but, it's worth it. #2 was helpful also.

I had 64 but added 256 (?) memory (does that sound right?) so, I didn't think I'd ever have this problem! :rolleyes: I guess I just delayed the inevitable. :o

Here's what it reads now: Capacity 9.52 GB, Used 3.18 GB, FREE 6.34 GB!! I had less than 3 Free before last night! :eek: More than doubled my space! Thanks everyone!

just hope I didn't screw up a bunch of stuff! :o

Kim
 
/
Great news! Now defrag your hard drive again so that it can run faster. Happy New Year!
 

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