Defrag virtual memory

[AVGWarhawk]

I'm posting this here because most if not all on this forum are full of computer information and such. Furthermore, I can not find a good concise answer on the web. Concerning XP and defragging the NTFS, is defragging the virtual memory a good thing and neccessary? If so, how does one defrag the virtual memory?

[sqk7744]

Hey AVGWarhawk, (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/member.php?u=219772)

Grab a trial of Diskeeper Pro Premier, a great app:
www.diskeeper.com (http://www.diskeeper.com/defrag.asp)

1. Defrag all drives
2. Enable and run I-Faast
3. Run the boot-time defragmentation

---
my tune-up list is good to do to:

SH4 PC Tune-up Checklist

For Win XP Clients

Specs Check:
1)START --> MY COMPUTER (right click -PROPERTIES)
2)General Tab à Note CPU Speed and RAM, Service Pack 1 or 2
3)Check Available Hard drive Space

Optimization:

1)START --> MY COMPUTER (right click -PROPERTIES)
2)ADVANCED TAB à Performance – Settings à Visual Effects
a) [x]Adjust for best performance
b) Advanced tab à Processor Scheduling [x]Programs
c) Advanced tab -> Memory Usage [x]Programs


*** CHECK AVAILABLE HARDDRIVE SPACE BEFORE DOING THE FOLLOWING:
d) Advanced tab -> Virtual Memory à Change, [x]custom:
Init/Max =4096 MB -> click SET button
* Note: if you can, 6000/6000 works best for SH4

3)SYSTEM RESTORE- Slows performance but a good thing, -your call.

Change IE 5/6:
1)Tools -> Options à General -> Delete Cookies, Delete Files, Clear History.
2)Tools -> Options à Advanced -> Security, [x]Empty Temp. Internet Files on Exit.
3)Tools -> Options à Advanced-> Security, [x]Don’t save encrypted pages to disk
4)Tools -> Options à Advanced-> Browsing, [x]Uncheck Reuse Windows launching shortcuts

[Clean up]

In Start-up:
1) Remove ALL non-required Applications
- MS Office Toolbar Startup
- AOL, Real Player, Etc.

Msconfig: Startup
1) Realplayer Loader
2) Download Daemon
3) Any Un-Necessary Applications

Anti-Virus:
1) Update Virus files

MS Update:
1) Critical Updates, etc
2) MSOffice Updates

Maintenance:
1)Grab a trial copy of Diskeeper from http://www.diskeeper.com (http://www.diskeeper.com/)
2)Install and Run Defrag
3)Then set Set-it and Forget-it feature.

[TDK1044]

There is a command-line tool which is designed to do exactly that: It's called pagedefrag. When you run it, it will force a defrag on your page file the next time your machine is rebooted.

Look here:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/FileAndDisk/PageDefrag.mspx

[Misfit138]

There is a command-line tool which is designed to do exactly that: It's called pagedefrag. When you run it, it will force a defrag on your page file the next time your machine is rebooted.

Look here:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/FileAndDisk/PageDefrag.mspx

Yeah, everytime I try to run it I get message "Make sure that you are an administrator. Error loading PageDefrag driver."

And yes, I have tried to run it as an administrator but it's a no-go. Not compatible with Windows XP 64-bit edition..? Geez, haven't had that one before :roll:

[sqk7744]

There is a command-line tool which is designed to do exactly that: It's called pagedefrag. When you run it, it will force a defrag on your page file the next time your machine is rebooted.

Look here:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/FileAndDisk/PageDefrag.mspx
Yeah, everytime I try to run it I get message "Make sure that you are an administrator. Error loading PageDefrag driver."

And yes, I have tried to run it as an administrator no it's a no-go. Not compatible with Windows XP 64-bit edition..? Geez, haven't had that one before :roll:

figures... :shifty:

[AVGWarhawk]

Thanks gents. I will give these a try. Does it really help at all to do this?

[sqk7744]

Thanks gents. I will give these a try. Does it really help at all to do this?
Yes! ;) but first, at the absolute minimum, change the Virtual memory to 4096 min and 4096 max.
(Diskkeeper is a great Application -I've been using it for 3+ years to aid the tuning of my Flightsim PC)

6000 (6gb) min max if you have the space ( you can also enable this on more than one (internal) drive too.

C:\
D:\ (HD #2 not partition#2)

[AVGWarhawk]

Good deal! Thanks for the responses. I have installed a modded BIOS to do some extra tweaks and such. My computer is flying darn good now. I was wondering about this memory.

[AVGWarhawk]

I have read that disabling virtual memory, rebooting then defragging with the installed windows program will also defrag the page file. Then enable virtual memory when done, reboot. Is there any truth to this?

[sqk7744]

I have read that disabling virtual memory, rebooting then defragging with the installed windows program will also defrag the page file. Then enable virtual memory when done, reboot. Is there any truth to this?
I leave that one up to others.

Resetting the VM to max for both keeps it from thinking about it ( only watchout for applications that have a set Scratch Disk like Adobe Premiere or Illustrator etc)

Best bet is to reset VM, reboot, then install the diskkeeper trial.

Do the defrags, and set I-Faast (optimizes frequently used applications) then do a Boot-time defrag: Paging file, Master File Table and CHKDSK util. Viewing the screen/report after defrag is optional, but might be interesting.

Cheers :arrgh!:

[PepsiCan]

I have read that disabling virtual memory, rebooting then defragging with the installed windows program will also defrag the page file. Then enable virtual memory when done, reboot. Is there any truth to this?

Yes.

Virtual memory is nothing more than an area on the harddrive that is reserved to 'park' software or data currently running in RAM that does not need to be used right now but has been used recently or will be used in the near future.

If you set your virtual memory to 0 then there is no page file on the disk. So, it effectively deletes it. But with NTFS formatting you shouldn't have to defrag your disks as often as with FAT anyways. I also suspect that Windows deletes the page file anyways when you shut it down.

[AVGWarhawk]

I have read that disabling virtual memory, rebooting then defragging with the installed windows program will also defrag the page file. Then enable virtual memory when done, reboot. Is there any truth to this?
Yes.

Virtual memory is nothing more than an area on the harddrive that is reserved to 'park' software or data currently running in RAM that does not need to be used right now but has been used recently or will be used in the near future.

If you set your virtual memory to 0 then there is no page file on the disk. So, it effectively deletes it. But with NTFS formatting you shouldn't have to defrag your disks as often as with FAT anyways. I also suspect that Windows deletes the page file anyways when you shut it down.
These are the things I'm wondering. I have it set up as a NTFS system. I defrag about once every two weeks as my daughters load up Barbie games and things off the internet etc. Sponge Bob games can slow things down:oops: At any rate, if I disable VM and defrag, effectively I clean up VM and start fresh?

I have basically the same system as you with exception of 2 gig DD400 and X1300 XGE 512mb vidcard. How does your system handle SH4?

[Canonicus]

There is a command-line tool which is designed to do exactly that: It's called pagedefrag. When you run it, it will force a defrag on your page file the next time your machine is rebooted.

Look here:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/FileAndDisk/PageDefrag.mspx

Thanks for the heads-up on this app,mate...very handy!

It works without a hitch with Vista 32bit ,...BTW. :yep:

[Iron Budokan]

Lol, my little boys play Sponge Bob on the computer, too! :yep:

[AVGWarhawk]

Lol, my little boys play Sponge Bob on the computer, too! :yep:

Nothing like a few grand so you kids can play Barbie or Sponge Bob. Heck, I'm the TV Pong generation. No cable TV..did not exist. Three channels only. Cartoons only shown on Saturday morning.

[Ilpalazzo]

bless this time we live in.

Anyway I too use and have been using diskeeper for quite some time. Very awesome program.

[Pteradon]

Hello,

For some info about tweaking Windows or setting up your page file,
take a look at this link.
http://www.tweakguides.com/TGTC.html

Koroush Ghazi made a very good guide of it.

I use it, for turning alot of things off, in windows.
It decreased my pagefile ;)

[Powerthighs]

Great guide! Thanks.

[gg5056]

In windows vista, You can set a time & date to defrag automately.

I do my twice a week.

[Wilcke]

Good stuff here! I have found that the NTFS drives need less frequent defragging than FAT. That is nice.

I keep an old PC around, its rubbish, AMD XP2700 with an old GeForce 4800 vid card. Keeps the kids happy and if they crash it...OH WELL!:rotfl:

My game box stays pollution free! LOL

Thanks for the links to the proggies will definately put those into the mix.

Wilcke

[RickC Sniper]

I have a pc question unrelated to virtual memory.


When using my browser when I type in a url a dropdown appears showing me possible web sites to complete my typing. I'm not sure if this is the same as the autocomplete feature.

How can I disable this "memory" of locations previously visited? I'm still using IE6. I'm just too stubborn to upgrade to IE7 I guess. :o

...Thanks
Rick C

[AVGWarhawk]

I keep an old PC around, its rubbish, AMD XP2700 with an old GeForce 4800 vid card. Keeps the kids happy and if they crash it...OH WELL!

I do have an old Emachine 550 pentium 3 with a Gforce 5500 Windows 98 for my daughters. It is not connected to the internet. Just a gaming computer for whatever game it is willing to run. It is the downloaded internet games on my rig that clutters it up. I will tell you this....kids are smart. They are 12 and 9 years of age....they can run the computer better than most adults I know and sure enough they teach me a few things. Nothing like having a 12 year old talk to you about importing pictures for reports that are found in My Pictures and copy/cut/paste function to put them in the report.:o My little girl showed me this....I never knew what the 'cut' function did:oops:.

[AVGWarhawk]

I have a pc question unrelated to virtual memory.


When using my browser when I type in a url a dropdown appears showing me possible web sites to complete my typing. I'm not sure if this is the same as the autocomplete feature.

How can I disable this "memory" of locations previously visited? I'm still using IE6. I'm just too stubborn to upgrade to IE7 I guess. :o

...Thanks
Rick C

Are the a few things in there that people need not see?:shifty: I'm not sure how to delete these. I believe there is a program to wipe them but it also takes saved password and log in names as well.

[NEON DEON]

The page file does not defrag on shut down nor does it go away.

However, without using another program you can defrag the drive if you have more than one partition.

Just create a page file on the other partition and delete the page file you want to defrag and reboot. Then defrag the partition that the old page file was on. Saving some time you could just let it stand that way untill you were ready to defrag the page file again then repeat the process the other way.

Or you could get a program that does it for you.

[longam]

I have a pc question unrelated to virtual memory.


When using my browser when I type in a url a dropdown appears showing me possible web sites to complete my typing. I'm not sure if this is the same as the autocomplete feature.

How can I disable this "memory" of locations previously visited? I'm still using IE6. I'm just too stubborn to upgrade to IE7 I guess. :o

...Thanks
Rick C

Are the a few things in there that people need not see?:shifty: I'm not sure how to delete these. I believe there is a program to wipe them but it also takes saved password and log in names as well.

With IE6 (if I can remember) it’s the History that you need to delete, yet this also deletes a few other areas also like the “Run” area. Its under –Tools – Internet Options- somewhere listing History.

[Powerthighs]

Yes, just delete the History and it will remove the "remembered" URLs.

Also, you can set how many days it keeps remembers websites you have visited. If you set it to 0, it will not store them.

[RickC Sniper]

No, clearing history does not remove them. If I use the small down arrow to show history of visited websites there is nothing there, after deleting history. But, that autocomplete dropdown still retains memory. :-?

[RickC Sniper]

AHAA!!!

It was under internet options\content\autocomplete\autocomplete history.

...thanks for the help.

Rick

[ghost_666_rider]

I have read that disabling virtual memory, rebooting then defragging with the installed windows program will also defrag the page file. Then enable virtual memory when done, reboot. Is there any truth to this?
Yes.

Virtual memory is nothing more than an area on the harddrive that is reserved to 'park' software or data currently running in RAM that does not need to be used right now but has been used recently or will be used in the near future.

If you set your virtual memory to 0 then there is no page file on the disk. So, it effectively deletes it. But with NTFS formatting you shouldn't have to defrag your disks as often as with FAT anyways. I also suspect that Windows deletes the page file anyways when you shut it down.
There is one catch to this. This will place the pagefile at the *end* of your used space on the hard drive. Ideally, especially with a fixed size swap, you want it at the very front of the drive for maximum speed. I do believe that is an option with diskkeeper to move it to the front of the drive. Ideally, a seperate partition is the best way to go to maximize speed and minimize clutter or interference.

[Weather-guesser]

Anyone know where in XP you adjust your virtual memory?? I cant find it for the life of me! :damn:

[fredbass]

The quickest way is to just right click on "My Computer" and go to properties. Then go to advanced button. Then go to performance settings and then advanced button. :up:

[Weather-guesser]

Perfect fredbass...thanks! Any rules on how high to set it? I have a 160 GB hard drive, ATI x1300 512MB and 2 GB of RAM. Right now my VM is set at 768 min and 1536 max. Paging size (I dont know what that means) is at 2047. :88)

[Go4It]

I'ved used diskeeper an perfect disk,but now using UltimateDefrag @ http://www.disktrix.com/ultimatedefrag/ultimatedefrag.htm

The only defrag program that allows YOU to defrag the way you want!

I found that using the diskeeper or perfect disk feature that defrags while you use ur system uses system resources that you may need for your programs. That feature is good for servers, I wouldn't use it!

[UnSalted]

Seems like a decade ago I bought DiskKeeper the first time. That was before MS decided to incorporate it in their OS. I do not miss the days when a 500 MB drive took an hour to defrag. :) Then again I still love Windows NT, the system they scrapped too early.

[THE_MASK]

Simply go to control panel/system/advanced/performance settings/advanced/virtual memory/change . Set your drive to no page file . Restart the computer then defrag your drive then reset your page file to MIN=1.5x your memory and MAX=3x your memory . Then restart your comp again .

[THE_MASK]

I have a pc question unrelated to virtual memory.


When using my browser when I type in a url a dropdown appears showing me possible web sites to complete my typing. I'm not sure if this is the same as the autocomplete feature.

How can I disable this "memory" of locations previously visited? I'm still using IE6. I'm just too stubborn to upgrade to IE7 I guess. :o

...Thanks
Rick C
control panel/internet options/content /autocomplete

[PepsiCan]

These are the things I'm wondering. I have it set up as a NTFS system. I defrag about once every two weeks as my daughters load up Barbie games and things off the internet etc. Sponge Bob games can slow things down:oops: At any rate, if I disable VM and defrag, effectively I clean up VM and start fresh?

I have basically the same system as you with exception of 2 gig DD400 and X1300 XGE 512mb vidcard. How does your system handle SH4?

Well, apart from the GFX card and the RAM, my pc also doesn't come with a full set of daughters. ;) So, I don't defrag my disk that often (less than once a year?). I don't delete stuff that often so I only add stuff which means the disks are in pretty okay condition. I run my game at 1152 x 800 or something. No volumetric fog and all that stuff. I get about 17-18fps since I use that Living Breathing Ocean mod. Was about 2 fps higher before that I think.

What makes a difference for me is to start my PC with only the necessary windows services running. So, no stuff in the system tray and no stuff running in the background. Also very important is that I run a RAM defragmentation before I start SH4. That alone gives me 20-30 Mb of RAM extra. If I then shutdown all apps running in the background and stop unnecessary Windows services my memory goes up from about 650Mb RAM to around 770Mb RAM.

I can't do much about my videocard though. So, waiting till Vista 64 bit becomes a bit more common and then get a 4Gb RAM pc or laptop with a new DX10 gfx card.

I hope that helps.

[AVGWarhawk]

These are the things I'm wondering. I have it set up as a NTFS system. I defrag about once every two weeks as my daughters load up Barbie games and things off the internet etc. Sponge Bob games can slow things down:oops: At any rate, if I disable VM and defrag, effectively I clean up VM and start fresh?

I have basically the same system as you with exception of 2 gig DD400 and X1300 XGE 512mb vidcard. How does your system handle SH4?
Well, apart from the GFX card and the RAM, my pc also doesn't come with a full set of daughters. ;) So, I don't defrag my disk that often (less than once a year?). I don't delete stuff that often so I only add stuff which means the disks are in pretty okay condition. I run my game at 1152 x 800 or something. No volumetric fog and all that stuff. I get about 17-18fps since I use that Living Breathing Ocean mod. Was about 2 fps higher before that I think.

What makes a difference for me is to start my PC with only the necessary windows services running. So, no stuff in the system tray and no stuff running in the background. Also very important is that I run a RAM defragmentation before I start SH4. That alone gives me 20-30 Mb of RAM extra. If I then shutdown all apps running in the background and stop unnecessary Windows services my memory goes up from about 650Mb RAM to around 770Mb RAM.

I can't do much about my videocard though. So, waiting till Vista 64 bit becomes a bit more common and then get a 4Gb RAM pc or laptop with a new DX10 gfx card.

I hope that helps.

Big help for me was another stick of RAM making 2 total gigs. When playing my hard driver does not start paging filling and acting like RAM. Plus my TC is flawless which is nice scooting across the Pacific to Japan. The living ocean mod also reduces my FPS so I do not use it. I believe this is due to my videocard being a X1300. I'm looking into a X1950pro. This will just about max out this computer for upgrades with exception of gutting the processor and motherboard. That is not going to happen....I get a new computer and girls get this one;)

[bunkerratt]

disable safely
error reporting service
event log fast user switching
indexing service secondary login
task scheduler
windows time

if ya don't use them ..now kill this junk
print spooler
portable media serial number service
server if you don't share files from the system
system restore
wireless zero configuration
Now How to increase page file.
1. Click Start
2. Right click My Computer
3. Click Properties
The System Window appears.
4. Click Advanced
5. In the Performance section, Click Settings.
6. Click the Advanced tab to reveal this page.
7. Under Virtual memory, Click Change.
In the Paging file size for selected drive area, take note of the Recommended size.
8. In the Initial size field, round up to the nearest ten, double it and then enter it. For example if the recommended size is 1149MB, tound up to 1150MB and double it to 2300MB.
9. In the Maximum size (MB) and Initial size MB fields, enter the doubled MB size. The number iun each field should be the same.
10. Click Set
11. Click OK to all open windows.
You will receive a prompt to reboot. Allow the system to reboot.


now if you don't already use them go to www.cnet.com (http://www.cnet.com/)
search for adaware personal se
then spyboy
dl these and update them
run the programs
if you use a 3rd party sound card go into bios and disable the onboard sound do the same for graphics

[bunkerratt]

. DO NOT use the automatic clocking things in ATT and ATi Tool, they do NOT work with X1k series cards.

2a. Disabling the services put the card fully into your hands, fan speeds, voltages, etc, so you must watch what is happening and read the guide carefully and ask if your not sure (that will help me to improve the guide).
2b. Automatic clock changes are also removed when the services are disabled, both programs have options so they can detect when a 3D app starts and closes, and then loads the selected profile by you when they detect it. Or you can set them yourself.

3. With X1k series cards, even with the services disabled there can be clock changes without your input, like starting a game or a video which can lead to crashes when the drivers force standard 2D clock speeds, there is no fix as of yet. (New ATi Tray Tools fixes this issue)

4. You MUST set clocks before starting the client or a game or something 3D, as the clock change corrupts the data and of course it crashes Wink

5. On X1900 cards I think that mem bandwidth is more helpful than GPU mhz at during points. 625-650mhz core needs about 800-825mhz of mem speed to not have a big bottleneck, but thats only in 3D work, in this it may be different.

6. These programs do NOT relax timings, the only time they are relaxed is when using the CCC method when the ATi services are running. How I do it does not use CCC or the services. (Now, using the new way of overclocking it does when using driver level overclocking in ATi Tray Tools - If the machine is on 24.7 without you using it use low level overclocking.)



Software
ATi Tool - Over clocking tool - although now not the one i’d use.
ATi Tray Tools - Over clocking tool. But has profiles for each program so you can have different clocks, quality settings etc on each one. Only install if your not using CCC.

Disclaimer: Do so at your OWN RISK blah blah.

First you must disable the two ATi services.

Start --> Run --> Type "services.msc" then disable both ATi services, the restart. Note this will stop the automatic change of clocks in 3D apps, but the programs below can do it for you.

ATi Tray Tools 3D
So here we go. First in the settings page make ATT start at Windows start. Plus bare in mind this part of the guide is based on a HiS IceQ X1900XT-X.

Then go to the Hardware panel and select over clocking settings.

You should be confronted with 3 tabs, ‘Over clocking’, ‘Fan’ and ‘Voltages’.

From the drop down menu on the 'Overclocking' tab, select "Driver level" over clocking, this will stop any clock changes when a video is started.

First we first want to make a 2D profile, so that when your not running the client you can set 2D clocks (like that will ever happen Razz).

I have them set at the lowest the two sliders will go. So do that and then apply. Then press save as and save it as 2D. Tick load profile at start-up.
Next onto the ‘Fan’ tab, here you can set whatever you like but be reasonable. Don’t expect it to survive if you put it at 0 or 10% because sometimes 3D mode doesn’t kick in and it still can get very very hot even with a slow fan speed. Tick ‘Include In Profile’. Once you have set fan speeds, Apply and save as to the 2D profile. Now go to the ‘Voltage’ tab, here I have it set at 1.000V Core and 1.950V memory. But work your way down from the settings you find there. Most X1900s will do the same voltages as mine. Tick ‘Include In Profile’, apply and save as to the 2D profile.

Now, here you can test if you so wish, few loops of 3D Mark or just leave it. If the screen locks and the PC is still going, E.g. sounds then core voltage is too low. If you get artifacts/tears on the screen then memory voltage is too low. This applies to all clocking.


Now, Stock 3D!!

We have to work our way back from Voltages to clocks now, because if you set clocks with low voltage it will crash Wink. So, set:

X1800 series: 1.425/2.089V
X1900 series: 1.4/2.089V
X1950 series: 1.4/2.089V

Apply and save as to a new profile called ‘Stock 3D’. Now, back to fan speeds, set your 3D fan speeds, apply and save to the ‘3D stock’ profile. Then onto the clocks page. Set them as follows:

X1800XL: 500/500
X1800XT: 625/750
X1800 GTO: 500/500
X1800 Crossfire Master Card: 625/750
X1900XT 512Mb: 625/725
X1900XT Crossfire Master Card: 625/725
X1900XTX: 650/775
X1950XT-X: 650/1000 (X1950 support is not yet avalible)

Apply and save to the 3D profile. Testing is tricky, 99% of the time it should be fine, but if you would like to test it by playing a game for a few hours then you may.


Over clocking 3D:

I don't think while the software is being BETA tested that you should over clock, but X1900XTs will do X1900XTX speeds easily in most cases. If you wish to over clock here is what you do:

I would work on core first, as the X1900 and possibly the X1800 series have a problem going over the CCC max of 690mhz on the core. Even with the services disabled. So work your way up to 690mhz, 10 mzh at a time. Most cards will do 690 on stock volts.

Once that is stable for 1 hour of gaming/2005/whatever. You can start on memory. Same principal as before, 10mhz at a time increasing mem voltage if required. Don’t go passed 2.15V atm as it crashes with the current version.

Finally, go to the Overdrive 3 page from the hardware menu and make sure the "apply at startup" box is NOT checked



ATi Tool is the same, new profile, set clocks, then fan then voltages when setting 2D and then volts, fan then clocks when setting 3D. X1950 users can use ATi Tool to o/c


intel p-4 775 3.4ht em64t oc'd to 3.75 thermaltake big typhoon cpu cooler
asus p5w dh deluxe motherboard
twin 100 gb hdd's raid 0 sata
ati x1950pro 256pcie x2 crossfired
creative x-fi extreme music soundcard
enermax 600 watt psu
dvd r=rw dldf x 2
floppy
11 in 1 usb card reader
2gb ocz crossfire edition pc2 6400 800mhz memory/6gb pagefile
cooler master musketeer 2
logitec 5.1 surround speakers
saitek eclipse keyboard
logitec tracman rollerball mouse cordless
xp pro sp2
20inch hd viewsonic vx2035wm
thermaltake armor va8000bws black steel case
lcd ambeient temperature readout x2
turtle beach earforce hpa 5.1 headset