Virtual Memory Too Low Balloon Error

Virtual Memory Too Low Balloon Error

Virtual memory errors are frustrating to work with. Depending on the number of applications you are running, this error may become more frequent. It appears that you have started the process to resolve it by removing old unwanted programs and enhancing the free space available on the hard drive. The applications that you are using do not know the difference between physical memory and virtual memory.

Even if you have run out of RAM you can assign as much free space available to virtual memory. Just remember that your hard drive is much slower than the physical memory. It is not as reliable when running your applications but will eliminate the cost of upgrading the RAM for now.

If the virtual memory is not configured properly it can create the error, "Virtual Memory Too Low". Eventually this error may lead to a blue screen or applications closing unexpectedly, losing data regularly. The typical allocation of virtual memory should be 1.5 times the amount of RAM.

This will give you the space that you applications need to run, but will cause the speed of the computer to become slower. The operating system will jump back and forth between the physical and virtual memory to run the application.

To change the settings use the following steps.

1. Right click on My Computer.
2. Click on properties, select the advanced tab.
3. Click on settings under performance, click on the advanced tab again.
4. Click to change.
5. Change the values under initial size and maximum size.
6. Click on set to apply the change.
7. Click ok.
8. Restart the computer.

You can also achieve the same results following these steps as well.

These steps allow Windows to manage the virtual memory most efficiently.

1. Click start and open the control panel.
2. Click Performance and Maintenance, and click system.
3. Click the advanced tab.
4. Under virtual memory, click change.
5. Under drive, click the drive that contains the virtual memory. This is usually the c: drive.
6. Click the system managed size option, click set.
7. Click ok and restart the computer.

This is a temporary solution and will work fairly well depending on the type of applications that you are running. Even in making this change you may find it necessary to close some of the applications that are running in the background. These steps will let you work around the error until you upgrade the memory on the computer.

Based on the specs you have listed for your computer the maximum amount of RAM your computer can use is 2 GB. If both slots are already in use, you will need to remove them and install just one card.

The memory you should be looking for when you are ready to purchase is PC25300 200PIN SODIMM. One site that I located this part on was very reasonably priced at $34.98.

This is an easy part to locate through other sites such as, and third parties like Amazon and EBay.

There are a number of resources available through the manufacturer's website as well as just general internet searches that will assist you in installing the RAM. Many of them include pictures that will walk you through the steps.

Total installation time is less than ten minutes.