Pagefile cleanup

[bibzgi]

'The pagefile.sys is a big file on the OS drive, normally hidden unless the folder options are set to display hidden operation system files.

The paging system considerably increases computer temporary memory and is helpful.

However, the pagefile uses free written space and as such can contain sensitive data.

Fortunately, it is easy to tweak the pagefile to permanently erase contained data.

There are both manual and instant methods discussed at Microsoft.

For general info about paging, check out: http://members.shaw.ca/bsanders/Wind...ageFileEtc.htm

For Microsoft solutions, including one-click download solutions, check out:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314834

[Taurus]

I disagree with any recommendation that suggests an inexperiened user "tweak" the pagefile, as well as any recommendation to edit the registry to change pagefile settings. The pagefile size should be set to "system managed" as Windows does a very good job of managing the pagefile size.

If a Windows OS is properly secured, there should be no reason to mess with the pagefile or the registry, especially if you are not experienced at doing such.

[wdhpr]

There are times the page file is corrupted and requires to be rebuilt this can happen when windows is shut down without using the normal shut down process such as what occurs during a power outage. Security concerns that bibzgi alluded to are also valid. The microsoft solution will clear the old page file and create a new one while still allowing it to be system managed. I have done this on several occasions resulting in improved performance.

Cheers
Wdhpr

[bibzgi]

Dear forum,

Good feedback, thanks.

I keep my pagefile at the windows suggested method, letting windows decide what is best.

Some folks like to set it manually at 1.5% or so of the RAM for improved defragmentation , but I still let wondows handle it.

It is definitely unwise to edit the registry unless one has considerable expertise.

Unfortunately, my link "support.micorsoft.com/kb/314834" was improperly posted as a direct link that not only gave the MS quick fix but gave the tempting manual solution of messing with the registry. I'm sorry.

However, I'm not yet sorry for suggesting the idea that the pagefile should be somehow set to clean up its contents when the 'puter is shut off.

After all, the pagefile virtual memory by default contains data including personal data unless it is set to erase it's data when the 'puter shuts down.

That's as bad as emptying the recycling bin and expecting that the data was really deleted for good.

As far as I can tell, my Vista OS doesn't have an option to erase pagefile memory data on shutdown. Some Vista tweak programs offer this option along with 200 or so other options but those tweak programs have caused my 'puter to go bezerk and I'm staying away from such programs.

Comments, suggestions, criticisms? It's all good!

Bob in NJ-US

[Taurus]

Originally Posted by bibzgi

It is definitely unwise to edit the registry unless one has considerable expertise.

Hi bibzgi-
For me, this statement says it all. Do not mess with the registry unless you know exactly what you're doing.
If your computer is properly secured and maintained, the data left in the pagefile is at no great risk for theft than any other data on your machine. Real time, proactive security is desinged to protect critical systems files.
The page file (virtual memory) is a critical system file. Using a LUA or Standard accounts along with proactive security will protect those critical system files.

[bibzgi]

Thanks for reply, Taurus!

TSA rocks!

bibzgi (Bob in NJ-US)

[bo.elam]

I remember reading about this about a year ago when I added extra memory
to my computer and it was tempting to lower the pagefile but I ended up
deciding that the wisest move I could make was to let Windows manage the
pagefile and that's the way I have it since. I also remember that its OK
to delete it or not use Windows to manage it if you have huge amount of
RAM but if you run out of RAM , then your machine will crash.

Bo