A swap file is an area on your hard disk used as virtual memory. It's called a swapfile because virtual memory management software swaps data between it and main memory.
The swap file is a hidden system file that Windows uses to simulate extra RAM, and is used to move portions of Windows out of RAM when another program needs to load. Keeping in mind that my tips are geared toward your system's stability and speed, here is what you need to know, in a nutshell. When it comes to the swapfile (Virtual memory):
- Permanent swapfiles are faster than Temporary swap files.
- The default Virtual Memory settings are designed for a PC with 4 meg RAM, but will usually slow down PCs using 16 or more meg RAM. If you have 16 meg or more, try setting the swap file to 5 meg. This will force the use of RAM.
- Permanent swap files cannot be placed on a compressed drive. If you have a compressed drive, place the permanent swap file on the uncompressed portion of the drive.
NOTE: If you have compressed your drive, and there is not enough room on the uncompressed portion of the drive for a permanent swap file of usable size, do the following:
- Place a temporary swapfile on the compressed portion of the drive.
- Start Saving for a bigger hard drive.
- Swapfiles cannot be placed on a RAMDRIVE in Windows 3.1. Period.
- The Virtual memory should not be disabled, since this will disable ALL of Windows memory management features.
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