The paging file (pagefile.sys) is a system file that is used when there is insufficient RAM. Setting the properties of this file correctly can significantly improve the performance of your computer. It is also called a virtual memory file. Each disk of the computer can have its own paging file.
Instructions
Step 1
Log in as an administrator. Find the window that configures the paging file properties.
In Windows XP, choose: Control Panel> System> Advanced> Performance> Options> Advanced> Virtual Memory> Change.
Windows 7 has slightly different commands: Control Panel> System> Advanced System Settings> Advanced> Performance> Settings> Advanced> Virtual Memory> Change.
Step 2
At the top of the window, select the drive whose paging file settings you want to change. Remember or write down the existing parameters so that you can return to them. Set up a paging file for each drive, as recommended below.
Step 3
Feel free to experiment. Unsuccessful settings will only reduce performance, but will not harm anything else, you can always return to the old numbers. Nobody will give you perfect advice. The result depends on many factors, the main ones are:
- system configuration;
- the technical characteristics of your hard drives;
- which programs you run most often.
Step 4
Here are some rough guidelines. Select "Specify Size".
1) If you have one hard drive, set the initial (also known as the minimum) paging file size equal to the size of your computer's RAM, and the maximum size is 2-4 times larger.
2) If you have Windows XP and more than one disk, then install the paging file as recommended above, but on a disk different from the one where the operating system is installed. It is even better if this disk is physically (and not logically) different. For all other drives, select "No paging file".
3) If you have Windows 7 and more than one disk, then configure one paging file in the same way as for Windows XP, but install another one on the same disk where the operating system is installed. For it, set the initial (also known as the minimum) paging file size equal to the size of your computer's RAM, and set the maximum size to 1.5 times. For all other drives, select "No paging file".
