Computer Help
01-13-2007, 04:08 AM
#1
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Computer Help
How on earth do I not use much "page file"?
I have the program, Vegas Experience by Phantom, which is an online casino game. Well, I can't ever connect it... it says that I haven't an internet connection (which I do).
At the Phantom website for the game, people say that if your page file use is over 300, you'll have this problem. I ran a "dxdiag" and am using anywhere from 450-524 for page file.
I don't know what I'm doing but I thought I'd at least go through my computer and get rid of a lot of things... like music, videos and umpteen programs. No change.
So, any ideas?
I have the program, Vegas Experience by Phantom, which is an online casino game. Well, I can't ever connect it... it says that I haven't an internet connection (which I do).
At the Phantom website for the game, people say that if your page file use is over 300, you'll have this problem. I ran a "dxdiag" and am using anywhere from 450-524 for page file.
I don't know what I'm doing but I thought I'd at least go through my computer and get rid of a lot of things... like music, videos and umpteen programs. No change.
So, any ideas?
01-13-2007, 06:15 AM
#8
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You need to either run less programs, or upgrade your physical memory.
Not knowing exactly what OS you have, its hard for me to tell you exactly what to do. But Check out the link below, it'll help you clean up some back ground items. It should help get your page use down, it'll work on everything but Windows 2000
http://www.netsquirrel.com/msconfig/
Not knowing exactly what OS you have, its hard for me to tell you exactly what to do. But Check out the link below, it'll help you clean up some back ground items. It should help get your page use down, it'll work on everything but Windows 2000
http://www.netsquirrel.com/msconfig/
01-13-2007, 06:48 AM
#10
(Not working with Windows boxes, I'm not sure. Is "page file" a Microsoft euphemism for "virtual memory?" A "file" structure where the system puts temp things instead of storing them in RAM?)
Tom
Tom
01-13-2007, 03:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Tomas
(Not working with Windows boxes, I'm not sure. Is "page file" a Microsoft euphemism for "virtual memory?" A "file" structure where the system puts temp things instead of storing them in RAM?)
Tom
Tom
01-13-2007, 06:15 PM
#13
Sorry, TC...
Most Windows computer end users end up trying to play computer technician by repeatedly "fixing" their ailing computers. This is sad since most of them know as little about how computers work as I do about brain surgery. Or perhaps less. At least I know which box my brain is in.
It's a shame that more time and effort is often spent in trying to get the tool to work than is spent using it. The tool becomes the job, instead of just remaining a tool to accomplish the real job.
Good luck, Jenna!
Tom
Most Windows computer end users end up trying to play computer technician by repeatedly "fixing" their ailing computers. This is sad since most of them know as little about how computers work as I do about brain surgery. Or perhaps less. At least I know which box my brain is in.
It's a shame that more time and effort is often spent in trying to get the tool to work than is spent using it. The tool becomes the job, instead of just remaining a tool to accomplish the real job.
Good luck, Jenna!
Tom
01-13-2007, 10:02 PM
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Thanks Tomas. The page file thing is indeed located on or near the virtual memory tab.
Spider13, I have yet to check out that link. I'm thinking I'll have to wait until tomorrow to check it out.
Spider13, I have yet to check out that link. I'm thinking I'll have to wait until tomorrow to check it out.
01-14-2007, 06:49 AM
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Tomas... pagefile = virtual memory ^_^
Okay, let's take a look at the situation... Your swanky internet game is saying you don't have a net connection. This is one of those odd problems that usually is handled by the company who programmed it via tech support. Honestly, they're your best bet since they made the software and understand it better than any others.
As for your pagefile usage... The only way to truely decrease your pagefile usage is twofold...
A) Increase your RAM
B) Run less programs simultaneously
Basically your Pagefile is a file on your hard drive that your computer starts using when what you're doing fills up your actual RAM. Then it starts swapping stuff between the RAM and your pagefile for that extra space it needs to work with stuff. Think of your computer like an office cubicle. The processor is you. You do all the thinking and the hard work. Your RAM is your desk. That's the space you use to do all your work. The more desk (RAM) you have, the more you can do at one time. Your filing cabinet is the hard drive, where you store all your files and work. When you start up a program on your computer you (the CPU) reach into the filing cabinet (Hard drive) for the files (program) to work on. You then lay it all out on your desk (RAM) and go to town. What happens when you fill up your desk (RAM)? You have to start swapping papers (data) with your filing cabinet (hard drive) back and forth. Very ineffective.
BTW... for those of you wondering what a dual core processor is, it is a processor with 2 logical "cores". Think of the same analogy, except you have 4 arms and 2 heads to work with. Helps you do more at the same time.
Now... here's what strikes me as wierd. The usage of your pagefile shouldn't cause a problem like that in your game. I have 2gigs of RAM on this particular computer and still use 420mb of pagefile, even though my RAM is relatively unused atm. What you're using is pretty common.
Jenna, what version of Windows does your computer use? XP? Also, how much RAM does the system have? You can find that if you right-click your my computer icon and click "properties". You'll see a general system screen that displays your CPU type and speed and your RAM. That's the first step. Also, how many programs do you typically run at a time?
Okay, let's take a look at the situation... Your swanky internet game is saying you don't have a net connection. This is one of those odd problems that usually is handled by the company who programmed it via tech support. Honestly, they're your best bet since they made the software and understand it better than any others.
As for your pagefile usage... The only way to truely decrease your pagefile usage is twofold...
A) Increase your RAM
B) Run less programs simultaneously
Basically your Pagefile is a file on your hard drive that your computer starts using when what you're doing fills up your actual RAM. Then it starts swapping stuff between the RAM and your pagefile for that extra space it needs to work with stuff. Think of your computer like an office cubicle. The processor is you. You do all the thinking and the hard work. Your RAM is your desk. That's the space you use to do all your work. The more desk (RAM) you have, the more you can do at one time. Your filing cabinet is the hard drive, where you store all your files and work. When you start up a program on your computer you (the CPU) reach into the filing cabinet (Hard drive) for the files (program) to work on. You then lay it all out on your desk (RAM) and go to town. What happens when you fill up your desk (RAM)? You have to start swapping papers (data) with your filing cabinet (hard drive) back and forth. Very ineffective.
BTW... for those of you wondering what a dual core processor is, it is a processor with 2 logical "cores". Think of the same analogy, except you have 4 arms and 2 heads to work with. Helps you do more at the same time.
Now... here's what strikes me as wierd. The usage of your pagefile shouldn't cause a problem like that in your game. I have 2gigs of RAM on this particular computer and still use 420mb of pagefile, even though my RAM is relatively unused atm. What you're using is pretty common.
Jenna, what version of Windows does your computer use? XP? Also, how much RAM does the system have? You can find that if you right-click your my computer icon and click "properties". You'll see a general system screen that displays your CPU type and speed and your RAM. That's the first step. Also, how many programs do you typically run at a time?
01-14-2007, 05:27 PM
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Thanks runawayrogue.
I did manage to start my computer without all the extras... did msconfig and selected it to temporarily boot up like that. I definitely had a lower page file when I did it but still couldn't load the swanky game up, lol.
The only reason I've concerned myself with this is because of the Tech suggestions from Phantom's online casino's FAQ and a few tech threads I've read http://www.phantomefx.com/board/disp...PagePosition=1 .
Since the page file reduction did not work... I'll have to go back to that link and search deeper or get up enough guts to post my own question.
I also have an uber smart computer friend coming over today to "fix" my computer up. I fear it he more just likes screwing with computers. I will put him on the "case of the online casino connectivity" right away! I'll say "if you're so smart with computers, certainly you'd be able to fix this"... that line works with many a guy, lol.
512 RAM and Windows XP... home edition I believe.
I did manage to start my computer without all the extras... did msconfig and selected it to temporarily boot up like that. I definitely had a lower page file when I did it but still couldn't load the swanky game up, lol.
The only reason I've concerned myself with this is because of the Tech suggestions from Phantom's online casino's FAQ and a few tech threads I've read http://www.phantomefx.com/board/disp...PagePosition=1 .
Since the page file reduction did not work... I'll have to go back to that link and search deeper or get up enough guts to post my own question.
I also have an uber smart computer friend coming over today to "fix" my computer up. I fear it he more just likes screwing with computers. I will put him on the "case of the online casino connectivity" right away! I'll say "if you're so smart with computers, certainly you'd be able to fix this"... that line works with many a guy, lol.
512 RAM and Windows XP... home edition I believe.
01-14-2007, 05:58 PM
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In Windows XP go to My Computer, right click it and then choose Properties, go to the Advanced tab, click Performance Options, then click Settings. Again click the Advanced tab and then in the Virtual Memory section click Change. Now you can view and set the parameters you need.
Under Drive [Volume Label], click the drive that contains the paging file you want to change.
Under Paging file size for selected drive, click Custom size, type a new paging file size in megabytes (MB) 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 paging file settings, you must restart your computer to see the effects of those changes. When you increase the paging file size, you typically do not need to restart your computer.
Page file size maximum is 3 times your RAM, or in your case 1536.
Under Drive [Volume Label], click the drive that contains the paging file you want to change.
Under Paging file size for selected drive, click Custom size, type a new paging file size in megabytes (MB) 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 paging file settings, you must restart your computer to see the effects of those changes. When you increase the paging file size, you typically do not need to restart your computer.
Page file size maximum is 3 times your RAM, or in your case 1536.
01-14-2007, 06:34 PM
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Thanks cherrybox. I did change my paging file settings and that made no difference. If anything, it made my paging file usage even more.
I'm now thinking that my problem hasn't anything to do with the paging file, as it has for others. I did get my page file under 300 and still couldn't connect.
On the up side, sort of, I was able to connect today, once. However, once I did connect, it froze up on me. SOB!
I'm now thinking that my problem hasn't anything to do with the paging file, as it has for others. I did get my page file under 300 and still couldn't connect.
On the up side, sort of, I was able to connect today, once. However, once I did connect, it froze up on me. SOB!
01-15-2007, 06:26 AM
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DOH!!! 
Yeah, I really doubt the pagefile has anything to do with your problem... there's just no logical link between the two... but like I said, I've seen stranger things.
My advice is to NOT change your pagefile settings unless you know what you're doing or have a valid reason to do so. It can affect system performance. At the very least, a good general rule is to set your pagefile size to 4x your RAM.
I would suggest upgrading your computer's RAM to 1024mb (1 gig). 512mb sticks run around 80 bucks give or take 20... and anyone with some computer hardware experience should be able to do the upgrade easily. That upgrade will give you a nice boost to overall system performance. Best bang for the buck upgrade there is, IMO.
In the end, delve in the forums at the website for some answers, and if you can't find any, make your own post =) The forums are there for a reason!
Yeah, I really doubt the pagefile has anything to do with your problem... there's just no logical link between the two... but like I said, I've seen stranger things.
My advice is to NOT change your pagefile settings unless you know what you're doing or have a valid reason to do so. It can affect system performance. At the very least, a good general rule is to set your pagefile size to 4x your RAM.
I would suggest upgrading your computer's RAM to 1024mb (1 gig). 512mb sticks run around 80 bucks give or take 20... and anyone with some computer hardware experience should be able to do the upgrade easily. That upgrade will give you a nice boost to overall system performance. Best bang for the buck upgrade there is, IMO.
In the end, delve in the forums at the website for some answers, and if you can't find any, make your own post =) The forums are there for a reason!
01-15-2007, 05:57 PM
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Okay Runawayrogue, I did the forum and emailed tech support. I did a whole assignment involving many different steps... yadda yadda yadda and still have the problem.
I will email back and say it didn't work and go from there. I just need a break at the moment... messed with it for about a half hour and am drained from it, lol. Maybe I'll retrace my steps and make sure I did everything I was supposed to do first.
Thanks for your help!
I will email back and say it didn't work and go from there. I just need a break at the moment... messed with it for about a half hour and am drained from it, lol. Maybe I'll retrace my steps and make sure I did everything I was supposed to do first.
Thanks for your help!