Need computer help

[vettechick99]

Heres what I have

Compaq 1500T laptop
40G HDD
512 MRAMM

I'm using about 75% of my HDD space. I have several very memory intensive programs. Lately my computer has been crashing when multiple programs are open. And its getting worse and worse. Should I upgrade either my memory or HDD? Or both?

Also, where can I go to see how much memory I'm using at a particular time?

Thanks so much! My entire work/personal life is on this computer!!

 

[Ran]

<Also, where can I go to see how much memory I'm using at a particular time?>

search for the file MSINFO32.EXE, that will give you your system information, if your problem is getting worse maybe there is soimething else wrong,

click on "RUN" type MSCONFIG, click on the startup tab and see what programs are starting when you boot up, you may be able to save some memory that way.

but like I said, if all things remain the same and your problem is worse, there may be something else wrong

 

[vettechick99]

ok. something is major wrong i think. i just did a search for that exe file, and that "windows encountered an error, pls send us an error report". well i said no, and Windows Explorer shut down.

eek! now what?

 

[Ran]

sorry I didn't make myself very clear, you need to search for that file on your computer not the internet, your Explorers should start again with no problem

 

[vettechick99]

i did. i guess i should have said Windows Explore. anyway, i right clicked and did a search on the C drive. and while it was searching, it gave me that message.

also i just tried to install some fonts, and it crashed that window. i guess i will just have to bring it in. thanks.

 

[Ran]

okay, good luck

 

[Dan Murphy]

If XP (I assume it is) have you tried a restore to a previous date? (ME has this too I think)

 

[coqui]

First things first.

Let's get your computer stable:

Right click on the My Computer Icon. Click on properties. Click on ther performance tab.

Look for virtual memory. Make sure it's set to at least 1024 MB.

Next step after you have OK'd out of all that. Double Click on the "My Computer" Icon. Right click on your C:\ Drive and click on properties. Click on the Tools tab. Look for Disk Defragment. Open that up and run it. Depending on how old your machine is, what Operating System you are running, and time between the last time you did it, this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours.

Also run a chkdsk (how to do that depends on what version of Windows you run)

This should take care of any errors on the hard drive.

Reboot after all this.

If you are still experiencing problems, then a restore may be the next option.

If this still happens then you will want to purchase a larger hard drive. This is where the machine gets its virtual memory from.