Pagefile.sys - what's this? File pagefile.sys: how to delete? How do I clear the pagefile.sys?

The swap file is one of the favorite topics for a wide range of discussion among computer users of all ranks. Of course, in the not too distant past, the disk space was "devoured" by the system with pain in the hearts of small-capacity HDD owners. Why do I need pagefile.sys, what is this "beast" in general, and why this file is very popular? Let's take a few minutes of your precious time and finally figure out some of the intricacies of the Windows system.

Free disk space has disappointed ...

Contrary to the predictions of experts from a relatively recent past, information carriers are still subject to the process of "glut". In other words, even 3 TB of disk space after a period of time capitulates before an endless stream of user-stored data. Sometimes the removal is pagefile.sys. That this is the right way out, you can argue. After all, often the information on the computer has an unorganized structure. An incredible number of identical photo and video files are scattered across different sections of the HDD. Dynamic DLL-libraries are repeatedly duplicated, well and other "excesses" are also hidden from the eyes of the ordinary user of the OS itself. Sooner or later all the above described chaos makes itself felt - there is no free space left. Therefore, before moving to undesirable extremes, try to restore order to disk partitions, especially since software for such tasks is quite enough for today.

Pagefile.sys - what is this and why?

It's pretty simple. The operating system creates a special swap file, so to speak, a virtual addition to the RAM installed on the computer. At a time when physical RAM can not cope with the task assigned to it, the OS refers specifically to the saving buffer pegefile. Typically, the system allocates 1 GB of disk space by default for emergency support of the RAM. In the absence of a paging file, the OS starts to slow down and then simply hangs.

It is to the virtual Windows area that resets low-value online data, thereby freeing up the critical megabytes of physical RAM required. However, even a reserve sometimes does not help. Modern toys, titanic video editors and resource-intensive programs are just insatiable. The system has only one thing - to turn to pagefile.sys for help.

What is it and how to deal with it?

There is an opinion that increasing the physical volume of operational "jars" will call into question the expediency of using a swap file. However, as already mentioned, a lot of memory never happens, and even 8 GB of installed RAM at some point will be powerless against the simultaneous operation of the "insatiable software unit". In this age of speeds and incredibly complex algorithms that are involved in new programs and super-resource-intensive games, this is a predictable pattern.

Of course, the swap file by definition uses some part of the hard drive, but does it really affect the HDD performance and totally reduces the operating resources of the HDD? Many people adhere to the pessimistic arguments that virtual memory simply "kills" the hard drive. Opinions differ, and the user has to independently make a decision in one way or another. However, practice shows that the c pagefile.sys system works more correctly and is much more stable than when there is no auxiliary component. So, what kind of file pagefile.sys, we figured out. Let's go further.

When resources of physical memory are sufficient: the destruction of virtual RAM

If you are convinced that your RAM slots will withstand any digital onslaught, and consider that the space on the hard disk should be spent on the principle of "nothing superfluous" - delete the swap file.

• Go to the control panel and open the "System" menu.
• On the left, in a new window, click on the item "More options ...".
• In the "Performance" field, activate the "Settings" tab.
• In the window that opens, click the Advanced tab, then click Edit.
• Now you will see the "Virtual Memory" menu, which is where you can delete pagefile.sys.
• Select the partition on which the backup RAM is located. Then mark the marker "No paging file" and click the "Set" button.
• Confirm the operations - "OK".

After rebooting the system, your Windows will start working without the support of virtual memory. Remember that the OS will remain without an auxiliary resource of RAM, and its work will depend entirely on the amount of RAM installed. It is likely that some programs without a "saving" file are just doomed to hang or even "crash". It should be noted that the presence of such functionality in the OS is provided for a reason ...

Clearing the paging file

In order to reset all the accumulated information from the virtual memory (and sometimes this is an extremely important point), taking into account the security measures, you need to go to the Start menu and enter the regedit command.

• Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ System \ CurrentControlSet \ Control \ SessionManagerMamoryManagement \
• Change the value: ClearPageFileAtShatdown - from zero to one.
• Reboot the system.

This method of cleaning is relevant for the seventh and eighth versions of the OS.

Moving pagefile.sys: Windows 7

Delete the paging file always succeeds. If the system disk really has a stalemate situation with free space on the HDD, transfer the backup component to any part of the disk.

• In the "Virtual memory" menu, select an acceptable hard disk area (the letter value of one of the hard drive's directories).
• Opposite the item "Specify the size", enter the numerical value of the virtual reserve volume you need.
• Then activate the "Set" button.
• Confirm the changes - OK.

After the system is rebooted, your paging file will be ready for use and fruitful Windows support.

The size that can be changed

The default volume of the virtual RAM sometimes needs to be extended or in reverse. It all depends on the user needs and "appetite" of your electronic machine. In the case where the physical RAM has a significant potential, for example, equal to 8 GB, the paging file can be reduced to a minimum. The above instructions will help you in deciding how to reduce pagefile.sys.

ReadyBoost: a flawless alternative

The speed of the system can be "lifted" using a high-speed flash drive or a memory card, made using the technology of the 10th grade. Especially this method is relevant for computer equipment, the warranty period of which has not yet expired. Only for this reason the user is deprived of the opportunity to upgrade his "iron friend", as the seals on the case must remain intact, and it is not possible to upgrade the computer without opening the protective covers. However, for machines running on the type of DDR2 memory, this method of increasing the performance is also acceptable, since RAM relative to the old standard is somewhat inferior in speed to modern Flash-drives. Unfortunately, ReadyBoost is implemented in later versions of Windows operating systems. However, Vista was the first OS from the Microsoft family, which provides an illuminated opportunity - to get an additional increase in performance.

Connect the "flash reactor"

It should be noted that instead of the pagefile.sys file, this method does not work and does not replace it in any way. ReadyBoost is a kind of intermediary between physical RAM and virtual RAM, so to speak, the link of a single system of performance.

• When inserting the Flash media into the USB port in the context menu, activate the item "Speed up work ...".
• In the event that you have disabled autostart, you must go to "My Computer", then right-click on the shortcut of the connected USB flash drive to launch the context menu.
• Next go to the "Properties" and activate the tab ReadyBoost. If you do not find one (which often is the case), go back to "My Computer" and use the same context menu to select the item "Open Autostart ...".
• Return to the ReadyBoost tab and mark the "Provide this device for technology ..." checkbox.
• Move the slider to the position recommended by the system (visually displayed below).
• Click "Apply" and wait for the cache configuration process to finish.
• The "OK" button confirms the changes made.

Finally

So, you learned what the pagefile.sys file is responsible for. How to delete and what actions can be performed with the "virtual assistant", you also became aware. Now it is a matter of little - to preface the theory, so to speak, in life. And how effective is the material presented to your attention, you will definitely appreciate in the process of using all the recommendations described. Attention: when working in the Registry Editor, be extremely careful, as incorrect or erroneous changes can have critical consequences for the operating system. Stability to you and speed!