Introduction

Windows Vista has what is called a Paging File that is located on the hard drive. The paging file acts like additional RAM. If your computer runs out of RAM Windows Vista uses it’s paging file as an alternative to the RAM.

Since a computer’s hard drive controller can read and write from more than one hard drive at one time moving the paging file to a separate hard drive than Windows Vista is installed on improves your computers performance.

Instead of reading and writing system, program files, and your paging file on one hard drive you can move your paging file to a separate hard drive. With your paging file on a second hard drive the load is split between reading and writing system and program files and reading and writing the paging file.

This guide shows you how to optimize the paging file for maximum performance.

Want to speedup Windows Vista? Check out my guide on how to [1] Speedup Windows Vista without Losing Functionality for more tips on speeding up Windows Vista.

Things to Know

Before you start messing with your computer’s paging file there are things you need to understand so you don’t break your computer.

• Your computer must have a paging file. Windows Vista and most software rely on the paging file even though your computer has plenty or memory.
• The recommended size of the paging file is 1.5 to 3 times the amount of RAM you have.
• If you move the paging file, it should always be moved to a different physical hard drive. Never use a separate partition on the same hard drive as the C: drive. This will slow your computer down.
• You can have 2 paging files. Each paging file must be on different physical hard drives though. An example would be a paging file on your C: and E: drives.

Move Windows Vista’s Paging File

In this example I’m going to move the paging file from its original location on the C: drive to a separate hard drive called the E: drive.

1. Right-click Computer in the Start Menu.
2. Select Properties.
3. Click Advanced system settings on the left side of the System window.
4. Click the Settings button in the Performance section of the Advanced tab.
5. Select the Advanced tab in the Performance Options window.
6. Click the Change button in the Virtual memory section.
7. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.

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8. Highlight the C drive, select No paging file, and then click the Set button. Ignore any warnings you receive.
9. Select the drive you want to move the paging file to, select system managed size, and then click the Set button.
10. Click OK and then restart your computer to apply the changes.

Use 2 Paging Files for Maximum Performance

Since the hard drive controller on your computer can read and write to more than one hard drive at a time it’s possible to have 2 paging files. It’s very important that the two paging files are on separate hard drives and not different partitions on the same hard drive.

In this example I’m going to setup a paging file on both the C: and E: drives for maximum page file performance.

1. Right-click Computer in the Start Menu.
2. Select Properties.
3. Click Advanced system settings on the left side of the System window.
4. Click the Settings button in the Performance section of the Advanced tab.
5. Select the Advanced tab in the Performance Options window.
6. Click the Change button in the Virtual memory section.
7. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.

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8. Highlight the C drive, select system managed size, and then click the Set button.
9. Highlight the second drive, select system managed size, and then click the Set button.
10. Click OK and then restart your computer to apply the changes.

Want to speedup Windows Vista? Check out my guide on how to [1] Speedup Windows Vista without Losing Functionality for more tips on speeding up Windows Vista.