[Ham-Computers] "Run-A-Way" swap file

Tue, 4 Nov 2003 00:08:11 -0000

Hi.
For some months now my computer has on occasion been experiencing what I can
only describe as "run-a-way swap file" (386.swp).  This doesn't happen ALL
the time but when it does it's very frustrating as I'll get an "Out of
memory" message and whatever program I'm running bombs out.  HOWEVER!  I
don't have to be running a program for this to occur as it has also occurred
on some occasions when the computer was sitting idle with no "programs"
running (just the normal background stuff).  At first I thought it was my
virus scanner (Avast!) creating this swap file as it sometimes but not
always occurred when it was doing the automatic hard drive scans.  So, I
removed the Avast Anti-virus program and went back to AVG which I'd used
previously.  It made no difference.  Reinstalled Avast!

Sometimes the computer runs for days with no problem then all of a sudden it
"acts up"  The drive has been scanned and rescanned with virus scanners
which have turned up no known viruses.

Here are the specifics of the computer and operating system.

Computer:
600 MHz Intel Pentium III, 256 MB RAM, 4.2GB SCSI drive with 1.5GB "free".
GeForce Video card with 64MB Video Ram.

Operating system and installed software:
1. Win98SE with all updates, MS .NET Framework 1.1, I.E. 6, O.E. 6.
2. MS Office 2002.
3. Avast! Antivirus program.
4. Rain 2.0 (CPU cooler software)
5. Many various Radio Logging programs and databases.  A new logging program
was installed just a few days ago but this problem precedes that
installation.

NOTE:  I normally have 1.5GB of hard drive empty, even when running several
programs.  However, when the swap file "runs away" this is quickly totally
filled up.  I DID try manually setting the swap file to 800MB but all this
accomplished was to cause the computer to give the "Out of memory" message
more often.

HELP!

73 from the "Beaconeers Lair".
Phil, KO6BB

In daily combat with QRM & QRN.
We may lose a battle but we'll win the war!
[email protected]
Merced, Central California
37.18N  120.29W  CM97sh

---
avast! Antivirus: Outbound message clean.
Virus Database (VPS): 11/2/03
Tested on: 11/4/03 12:08:13 AM
avast! is copyright (c) 2000-2003 ALWIL Software.
http://www.avast.com