g_claxton
asked on
Batch File to Free Up RAM before starting a Virtual PC machine
I currently have a very large VPC image which I use for PoC purposes. My PC has 4 GB of RAM and I have around 3 GB dedicated to the VPC image. My question is can I run a batch file to free up RAM (shut down unneccesary services) prior to starting the VPC? I am running a Windows Vista Business OS so I need to know what services are save to shut down so that the PC is running with as little RAM as possible. I nevertheless need Internet connection.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
CleanMem
I've tried this app and it didn't do that much for me but you may experience something else. I'd download the actual app from the Major Geeks link in the article though.
http://www.pcwintech.com/node/145
I do use RAMpage http://www.jfitz.com/software/RAMpage/
It not only gives you an indication of how much memory is free but will try and free up if it drops too low or you can manually tell it to go do the job.
I've tried this app and it didn't do that much for me but you may experience something else. I'd download the actual app from the Major Geeks link in the article though.
http://www.pcwintech.com/node/145
I do use RAMpage http://www.jfitz.com/software/RAMpage/
It not only gives you an indication of how much memory is free but will try and free up if it drops too low or you can manually tell it to go do the job.
> run a batch file to free up RAM (shut down unneccesary services)
Use the 'net stop' command inside a batch file. You will need the service name (display name) which you can get from the properties page of the service or by just running 'net start' from a command prompt. You may need to use quotes if there are spaces.
Example:
C:\>net start
These Windows services are started:
Application Layer Gateway Service
Automatic Updates
COM+ Event System
Computer Browser
.
..
....
MozyHome Backup Service <------ let's stop this one.
Network Connections
Windows Time
Wireless Zero Configuration
Workstation
The command completed successfully.
C:\>net stop "MozyHome Backup Service"
The MozyHome Backup Service service was stopped successfully.
Use the 'net stop' command inside a batch file. You will need the service name (display name) which you can get from the properties page of the service or by just running 'net start' from a command prompt. You may need to use quotes if there are spaces.
Example:
C:\>net start
These Windows services are started:
Application Layer Gateway Service
Automatic Updates
COM+ Event System
Computer Browser
.
..
....
MozyHome Backup Service <------ let's stop this one.
Network Connections
Windows Time
Wireless Zero Configuration
Workstation
The command completed successfully.
C:\>net stop "MozyHome Backup Service"
The MozyHome Backup Service service was stopped successfully.
if you are going to use it as a host machine,go 64 bit OS.
Allocating 3 gigs of memory to a VM will cause you nothing but grief if you are running a 32 bit OS.
With 64 bit you will get to use ALL of your 4 GB of RAM.
With a 32 bit OS ,because of the way resources are allocated,you may be able to use only a little more than 3 gb.(video card BIOS relocaion ,etc)for the entire machine (Host OS+VM)