If the programs you are currently running require more memory than is available, Windows uses free space on your hard drive to allow the programs to run. If you do not have enough free space available on your hard drive, you will receive the following error message: "Your system is low on virtual memory. Windows is increasing the size of your Virtual Memory Paging file. During this process, memory requests for some applications may be denied. For more information, see Help."

1. Close any unnecessary programs.
2. Determine how much virtual memory your computer has. If the setting is too low, increase it for optimum performance. For instructions, see the appropriate link below:
   • Determining Amount of Virtual Memory in Windows XP (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/2456/)
   • Determining Amount of Virtual Memory in Windows Vista/7 (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/3551/)
3. Increase the amount of free space on your hard drive.
   1. Delete your browser's cookies. For instructions, see the appropriate link below:
      • Deleting Cookies and Temporary Internet Files in Windows XP/Vista/7 (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/2290/)
      • Deleting Cookies in Mozilla Firefox 3.6 for Windows XP/Vista/7 (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/3003/)
   2. Clear your browser's cache. For instructions, click the appropriate link below:
      • Clearing the Cache in Internet Explorer 7/8 for Windows (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/1137/)
      • Clearing Browser Cache in Firefox 3.5 (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/3316/)
   3. Move any files you want to keep to a storage device, such as a USB flash drive, and then delete them from your computer.
   4. Uninstall any program you do not want to keep. For instructions, see Uninstalling a Program in Windows XP/Vista/7 (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/3346/).
   5. Uninstall programs you want to keep, and reinstall them on another drive.
      Note: If you need assistance, contact a qualified computer professional.

   6. Use the Disk Cleanup tool. For more information, refer to the appropriate article below:
      • Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310312)
      • Running the Disk Cleanup Utility in Windows XP/Vista/7 (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/2954/)
4. Scan your computer for viruses, and remove any that are detected.
   Note: If you do not have an antivirus program installed on your computer, you can use the Symantec Security Check. For more information, refer to Symantec's Free Antivirus Protection page (http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/home.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=24&pkj=ADTBQWUKSXARJFUKFLD).

5. Scan your computer for spyware, and remove any components that are detected. For more information, refer to Preventing, Detecting, and Removing Spyware (http://computing.vt.edu/content/preventing-detecting-and-removing-spyware).
6. If you continue to receive low virtual memory warnings, you may want to consider upgrading your computer's hardware. For more information, contact your computer's vendor or a computer professional.