[Virtualacorn-list] Virtual Acorn Setup Problem

[Nick Roberts]

In message <gemini.k9v3ib031qv3001h8.druck at druck.org.uk>
       "David J. Ruck" <druck at druck.org.uk> wrote:

> Chris Newman <cvjazz at waitrose.com> wrote:
> 
> > I know this is a Windows related question but I need that working
> > properly for VA to be efficient. Any help would be gratefully
> > received. I've just seen that Aaron has posted some advice about
> > cleaning up a machine & I shall try all that. I've done most of it
> > before except the repeated de-fragging.
> 
> Try Aaron's advice first, but often it is impossible to remove all of
> the cruft that accumulates from trying Windows software from the
> internet or magazine cover discs etc. Then the only effective
> solution is to flatten the machine by reformatting the hard disc,
> reinstalling the OS with all the latest service packs and patches
> applied in one go (makes it far more reliable), and then reinstall
> only the essential applications.

I've found that the default virtual memory settings on PCs tend to
encourage rapid fragmentation of the hard disc.

After a right-click on My Computer select Properties and then select
the Advanced tab. Then click the "Settings" button in the Performance
group, which takes you to yet another dialog, where you should yet
again select the Advanced tab. The bottom group is the Virtual Memory
settings - click on Change.

This will show you how virtual memory is configured, and "out of the
tin" it is set to "System managed size" or "Let Windows adjuse the page
size", or similar, depending on exactly which set of service packs have
been applied. With this setting, the page file will grow as you start
more applications, and then shrink again as you close them - te end
result of which is that that pagefile can get horribly fragmented, and
when the pagefile gets fragmented the entire system suffers.[1]

I've found that a more optimal setting is to select "Custom" pagefile
size settings, with the "Initial" and "Maximum" settings the same.
Given the size of current hard discs, I tend to be fairly generous with
the pagefile size - it's set at about twice the size that Windows
recommends.

If you go this route, it's worthwhile doing it as soon as possible,
before Windows has a chance to fragment the pagefile too badly.

[1] At work we use a horribly locked-down "managed build" of XP, and
this build neither fixes the pagefile size in this way, nor allows
users access to the defragmenter - we have to get the support staff in
to do the defragmentation on our behalf. Speaking to one of these
support staff, he has encountered one pagefile that had in excess of
800 fragments, so using that machine must have been like wading through
treacle.

-- 
Nick Roberts           tigger @ orpheusinternet.co.uk           

Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which
can be adequately explained by stupidity.