Virtual Memory too low????

[has]

I'm in need of some urgent help please.

I keep getting a balloon pop up from the task bar that reads something like "...Your Virtual Memory is too low..." blah, blah, blah.
Also, everytime I click on a link for a new window to appear, the internet shuts down & it returns me to the desktop. Has this got anything to do with the virtual memory?
Please, has anyone any idea what I can do to fix this (without spending any money)? Because it's really annoying.

[VHG]

We get this question so many times here on answerbank.

Your computer has REAL memory (RAM) and if it runs out of that it places files on your hard disk in an area called VIRTUAL memory.

The actual message seems to indicate there may not be enough room on your hard disk to hold this virtual memory, so check how full your hard disk is, and if it is full delete some files to free up some space.

Now using a lot of virtual memory is often a sign that your PC has not got enough REAL memory, so increasing the amount of REAL memory you have will help get rid of this problem (and speed your computer up).

So see if you can find out how much REAL memory you have, and then look at increasing it.

A PC running Windows XP would be fine with about 1Gb of memory, a PC running Vista probably needs twice that (2Gb).

Memory is not that expensive, and is one of the easiest upgrades you can make.

[has]

many thanks VHG. I'll try it. Even though I'm a dummy around 'puters.

[ACtheTROLL]

if your machine has just slowed down ... then either you have started doing something different or it's just filled up with binary fluff (temp files photos, music and stuff)

music, film and photo editing use huge amounts of memory - so if you've just started a new hobby it could be that - and you probably need more ram

BUT try a good clean up BEFORE you spent any money - it
WILL make an improvement - how much is not certain until you do it and see

this will make it easier.
http://www.ccleaner.com/download (it's free)
download, install, just press the button and it will do the rest

then run the window's disk checker and finally defrag
(both in disk | properties | tools)

(it possibly won't make a huge difference - but it's worth a try (and it costs nowt!) ... you should do it at least a couple of times a year (but don't go mad).

then if no difference ... it's time to spend some money

[has]

Thanks AC. I will try this. However, is this problem causing the internet to shut down & return to desktop?

[ACtheTROLL]

possible ... but it could go either way
but if the memory keeps running out - or there isn't space to create temp internet files ... it could
no guarantees - try - you certainly won't hurt anything - worst you'll do is waste an hour

if it doesn't do it come back