“Out of Memory” Errors and the 3GB Switch for Windows
When using 3D CAD packages, many users have seen the dreaded “unable to obtain required memory” errors. Although it is not a sure fire solution, the 3GB “switch” for Windows 32-Bit environments can offer some relief from this problem. This switch is most useful if the machine has 3GB of RAM or more, however, it can help on workstations with less RAM if the Windows Page File is large enough. Having Windows utilize memory paging to this file will slow the workstation down a lot but it may prevent crashing and loss of work. For more information in several key areas, please look here for more information on the page file, here for more on the 3GB switch for Windows XP, and here for more on the 3GB switch for Windows Vista.
The following is an example of the boot.ini file settings for the 3GB switch. Please keep in mind that the settings are specific to each work station and should be added to each workstation individually. This is only an example.
[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional 3GB" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /3GB /USERVA=2900
The section added to the last line in the example is the operative part of the 3GB switch (/3GB/USERVA=2900). The 3GB switch is activated by the /3GB entry. The /USERVA=2900 entry is needed to manage video memory. Both must be entered in the second line of the operating systems section of the Boot.ini file. When this line is inserted into the Boot.ini file, the XP operating system will pause on boot up showing the two options.
In the above example Windows will display the following on boot:
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Microsoft Windows XP Professional 3GB
You can then use the “arrow” keys to select which boot option to use. If no selection is made, the first option is used as it is the default boot setting.
Tags: activations, boot, CAD, information, keys, management, memory, Microsoft, RAM, reboot, specifications, Vista, Windows
Read more posts by bethb
