Page Files Needed?

[Mixmaster5]

Hi,

 

When I installed Windows my C-Drive was already filled with 100GB. I wasn't really

sure what's on there with this size (and I'm still unsure..), but then I found these huge

.page files, which I belive come from the RAM; 32 GB --> 32 GB Page Files...

 

What are they for and are they neccessary?

 

Thanks.

[technovore]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paging

[Mixmaster5]

Thanks. I'm not gonna read all though...too technical for me

 

But it seems to be important and have its function so ill leave it

[GoodBytes]

Page file does 2 roles:

 -> Extends your RAM if you need more RAM

 -> Does a direct backup of your RAM, to allow defragmentation of RAM free space.

 

About the last point.

When you run a program, it is always in your RAM for the CPU to see. The CPU can't access or see anything that isn't in your RAM. When a program is loaded in your RAM, it NEVER cuts it into peaces creating fragmentation like it is in your HDD. Everything must remain in 1 block. It can also not move. Now they are reasons for this, complicated reasons, for that mater. But I won't bore with details.

 

So what's the problem with this design?

Note: a running programs is called a process.

 

Let's have a look at what can happen (in a simple way)
- Process A consumes 10% of your RAM.
- Process B consumes 40% of your RAM.
- Process C consumes 5% of your RAM.
- Process D consumes 30% of your RAM.
- Process E consumes 5% of your RAM.
- 10% Free space after Process E to the end of your memory.
Total: 90% used, 10% free.
Now, you close Process C. So now, as nothing can move, you have a 5% free space hole in your RAM. In total, you have 15% of free space.
Now, you open Process F, which consume 15% of your RAM. Well you are out of RAM. Because while you have the space, it doesn't fit into 1 block. Remember nothing can move. You have fragment free space. So you get a low memory error, despite having plenty of free space.

 

This is where the page file comes into play. Windows uses a fancy algorithm to defrag the empty space to allow process F to run, and not get an error. It will move things out of RAM to the page file, to restructure things, and put it back in, so that you have that 15% free space in your RAM all in one block to allow Process F to run.

 

Now, in reality, modern Windows does this on the fly, and does not wait until your RAM is full like the above example. If it waits until there is a problem, then you will notice that your system have "locked up", as Windows moves things in and out of your RAM to defrag. A time consuming process. The reason why it "lock up" on you, is that, like I said, things not in your RAM, the CPU can't see to process. So you'll have either Windows not responding for a moment, or your one of your  running program or set of programs, not responding for a moment. memory management of XP was horrible, and I am sure, if you used XP back in the old days, that it is something you saw several times, where your computer would freeze for a moment, your Hard drive is very busy, and then everything is fine.

 

So that's the Page File role in a nut shell.

I suggest to leave Windows managing it. If it wants 32GB, give it 32GB. That is if you want an assure maximum, best user experience. While some would argue 32GB is a lot, and you can shrink it to 4GB or something. I presume that you have 32GB of RAM for a reason and not because you try to be the cool kid on the block.

 

You can shrink it, if you really need the space. The size will depends on your needs. And you can experiment. Please note that you'll need to restart your system every time you change the page file size to have it applied.

[IdeaStormer]

If you are strapped for space you can limit it and even disable it, you won't cause a black hole to be created your computer will just run out of RAM if you load lots of apps and data into memory. Sure its good to have but if you're strapped you are strapped.

[GoodBytes]

If you are strapped for space you can limit it and even disable it, you won't cause a black hole to be created your computer will just run out of RAM if you load lots of apps and data into memory. Sure its good to have but if you're strapped you are strapped.

 

The problem is programs expanding it's memory requirements. If he doesn't have space for it, than the program will crash on him, loosing his work. And as a person with 32GB of RAM. I would assume that he does work on his system which we doesn't want to lose, and I have to assume that he didn't get 32GB of RAM for surfing the web and playing games exclusively.

 

Again, depends on ones need, but in his case, I would suggest not to disable pagefile. Limiting it, it's OK, not ideal, but if you are desperate for space, it is OK.

 

Anyway, that is all I have to say.

[IdeaStormer]

 I would assume does work on his system which we doesn't want to lose, and I have to assume that he didn't get 32GB of RAM for surfing the web and playing games exclusively.

 

 

I don't see any listing on what its for in the OP, but I would be many internet cookies he will roll the dice.