Performance Options

Open System Properties (right click on My Computer and select Properties), select Advanced system settings, then press the Performance Settings button, finally selecting the Advanced tab.

Processor scheduling. This option specifies how CPU time is to be shared between processes. By default this is set to Programs, which indicates that foreground processes are a higher priority for CPU time and is recommended for most users as Application performance will be of primary concern. When set to Background services CPU time is more evenly divided between processes, which is more appropriate for Servers. We'll return to this section later but for now click Apply and press OK, restarting if appropriate.

Memory Dump Options. Before adjusting the Page File size you'll need to check Memory Dump options as they affect exactly what you can do with the Page File and its size. Open System Properties, select the Advanced system settings tab, then the Startup and Recovery Settings button.

Write debugging information. This drop-down menu specifies the data to be dumped (useful for troubleshooting purposes) in the event of a STOP error occurring, four options are available:

  • (none). Selecting this option sets that no data should be dumped. This is recommended as it places no restrictions or conditions on Page File configuration.
  • Small memory dump (64KB). Selecting this option dumps minimal system information for troubleshooting purposes when a STOP error occurs. This requires a Page File of 2MB or greater located on the boot volume.
  • Kernel memory dump. Selecting this option dumps kernel memory for troubleshooting purposes when a STOP error occurs providing more detailed information than a Small memory dump. This requires a Page File of 50-800MB located on the Boot volume.
  • Complete memory dump. Selecting this option dumps the entire contents of system memory for troubleshooting purposes when a STOP error occurs. This requires a Page File of RAM + 1MB on the boot volume.

Click OK when you've made your choice (we recommend Small memory dump) and restart for the changes to be applied.

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