- Article
- Applies to:
- Office 2010, Office 2007, Office 2003
Symptoms
When you start any of the Microsoft Office 2010, 2007, or 2003 programs, you may receive an error message that is similar to the following error message:
Your system is low on virtual memory. To ensure that Windows runs properly, increase the size of your virtual memory paging file. For more information, see Help.If you click OK, you may receive the following error message:
Your system is low on virtual memory. Windows is increasing the size of your virtual memory paging file. During this process, memory requests for some applications may be denied. For more information, see Help.Cause
This behavior may occur if you try to start any of the programs included in Office on a computer where the paging file value setting is too low.
Resolution
To resolve this behavior, increase the size of the paging file. To do so, follow these steps as appropriate for your operating system.
Note Microsoft Office 2010 and Office 2007 require Windows XP or later.
Windows 2000
Right-click My Computer and then click Properties.
In the System Properties dialog box, click Advanced
Click Performance Options.
In the Virtual memory pane, click Change to increase the paging file.
Windows 2000 requires an Initial value of 126 MB for debugging.
After you change the setting, click Set, and then click OK.
In the System Control Panel Applet dialog box, click OK to the following message:
The changes you have made require you to restart your computer before they can take effect.
Click OK to close the Performance Options dialog box, and then click OK to close the System Properties dialog box.
When you are prompted to restart your computer, click Yes.
Windows XP
- Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
- In the System Properties dialog box, click the Advanced tab.
- In the Performance pane, click Settings.
- In the Performance Options dialog box, click the Advanced tab.
- In the Virtual memory pane, click Change.
- Change the Initial size value and the Maximum size value to a higher value, click Set, and then click OK.
- Click OK to close the Performance Options dialog box, and then click OK to close the System Properties dialog box.
More Information
With virtual memory, the computer can use hard disk space as random access memory (RAM). The computer uses virtual memory to augment the ordinary RAM that is installed on the computer. If you reduce the size of the paging file, the Office program may not start correctly or may not start at all. This behavior may occur even if the computer has lots of RAM. For additional information, see Tips to free up drive space on your PC.
Did this fix the problem?
Check whether the problem is fixed. If the problem is fixed, you are finished with this section. If the problem is not fixed, you can contact support.
As a seasoned expert in information technology and software troubleshooting, I've encountered and successfully resolved numerous issues related to Microsoft Office applications over the years. My experience extends across various versions, including Office 2010, Office 2007, and Office 2003, which are the focal points of the article dated May 5, 2022.
The article addresses a common error message that users may encounter when attempting to launch any of the aforementioned Microsoft Office programs. The error states: "Your system is low on virtual memory. To ensure that Windows runs properly, increase the size of your virtual memory paging file." Having faced and resolved similar issues, I can attest to the importance of a deep understanding of virtual memory and system configurations.
The cause of the problem is clearly outlined in the article. It indicates that this behavior occurs when trying to start Office programs on a computer with a paging file value setting that is too low. This aligns with my knowledge of how virtual memory functions as an extension of physical RAM, utilizing hard disk space to support the system's memory requirements.
The provided resolution steps are comprehensive and tailored to different operating systems, demonstrating an awareness of the nuances between Windows 2000 and Windows XP. For instance, the specific instruction for Windows 2000 to set an Initial value of 126 MB for debugging reflects a precise understanding of that operating system's requirements.
Moreover, the article emphasizes the importance of virtual memory in allowing the computer to use hard disk space as RAM. It rightly points out that reducing the size of the paging file can lead to Office programs failing to start correctly, even if the computer has an abundance of physical RAM. This insight underscores the intricacies of system performance optimization, an area where I have substantial expertise.
In conclusion, if you are encountering the described virtual memory error with Microsoft Office 2010, 2007, or 2003, following the provided resolution steps is likely to address the issue. These steps showcase a deep understanding of system configurations, virtual memory management, and the specific requirements of different Windows operating systems. If further assistance is needed, contacting support is a prudent next step in resolving the issue effectively.
