What is virtual memory on a pc and how can i change it???

iv just bought a pc cd-rom for my daughter,iv installed it fine but when i try to play a message comes up ';you need a least 3mb of free virtual memory to play this game'; i have no idea how to change my memory if i can!! im running windows xp and do not have alot of programs on my computer.i have gone into my virtual memory settings and it says this 'total paging file size for all drives 1437mb' and drive c; space available 45367mb... now to me that looks like i have enough memory but please help!!! how can i get this game to play!!!!What is virtual memory on a pc and how can i change it???
Check the setting requirements on the game.



Does it mention your operating system? I am guessing not.



i think you are on XP and have a pre-xp game that cannot see your virtual memory



If this is the case - right click on the shortcut and then

properties

comparability tab

set it for the newest OS on the game requirements



All will now be wellWhat is virtual memory on a pc and how can i change it???
press ctrl +alt+del

and in taskmanager close any unwanted programs and processes
To change the size of the virtual memory paging file



You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may also prevent you from completing this procedure.



1.

Open System in Control Panel.



2.

On the Advanced tab, under Performance, click Settings.



3.

On the Advanced tab, under Virtual memory, click Change.



4.

Under Drive [Volume Label], click the drive that contains the paging file you want to change.



5.

Under Paging file size for selected drive, click Custom size, and type a new paging file size in megabytes in the Initial size (MB) or Maximum size (MB) box, and then click Set.



If you decrease the size of either the initial or maximum page file settings, you must restart your computer to see the effects of those changes. Increases typically do not require a restart.





Note



?To open System, click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.



?To have Windows choose the best paging file size, click System managed size.



?For best performance, do not set the initial size to less than the minimum recommended size under Total paging file size for all drives. The recommended size is equivalent to 1.5 times the amount of RAM on your system. Usually, you should leave the paging file at its recommended size, although you might increase its size if you routinely use programs that require a lot of memory.



?To delete a paging file, set both initial size and maximum size to zero, or click No paging file. Microsoft strongly recommends that you do not disable or delete the paging file.
SEE YOUR PC SHOP,OR MICROSOFT ENGINEER,YOU MAY JUST NEED ADDED MEMORY,OR IT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PC.WINDOWS XP PRO?OR HOME? YOUR PROGRAM MIGHT NEED A DRIVER? HAVE YOU TRIED MEMORY STICK? A MICROSOFT ENGINEER IS THE SAFEST OPTION.
virtual memory does refer to the memory space set aside on your hard drive for certain processes as shown as C: and D: in your question, it could be that your hard drives are nearly full and not leaving enough space for you to use the pageing size put aside.

you could also go to task manager and check to see if you have processes that are taking up alot of memory and processing power.



you could also try reinstalling the game its not unherd of that the install didnt work first time and check with the game makers website for patches or resolutions to this issue.
click start

right click my computer

click properties

click advanced

click memory settings

there should be a box showing your maximum usage and another showing you actual usage .



just set the actual slightly lower than max and apply , it speeded up my com no end and has never caused a problem .



Hope this helps .