WD98: BitMapMemory and CacheSize Performance Tips (187223)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition
This article was previously published under Q187223

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition, if you set the BitMapMemory and CacheSize to a number higher than 1024 kilobytes (KB) [or 1 megabytes (MB)], your system performance may degrade over time.

CAUSE

You have exceeded the maximum recommended value for the CacheSize settings in conjunction with using BitMapMemory.

RESOLUTION

Set the CacheSize and BitMapMemory options to 1024 or less. To change these settings, follow these steps:

  1. On the Tools menu, click Macro, and select Macro.
  2. From the Macros in list, select Word commands, click ToolsAdvancedSettings as the macro name, and then click Run.
  3. Set the Option for BitMapMemory, and then type 0 for the Setting.
  4. Click Set.
  5. Repeat steps 2-4, but set the option for CacheSize to 1024.
  6. Click Close, and then click Quit on the File menu to quit Word.
  7. Start Word.
NOTE: You can set CacheSize to whatever is compatible with your system, but you should not use BitMapMemory.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

In earlier versions of Word you can increase the BitMapMemory and CacheSize settings to improve the overall performance of Word. In Word 98, BitMapMemory is no longer used; therefore, this setting should not be changed in Word 98. Although Word 98 does not recognize BitMapMemory, CacheSize settings can be user-defined.

If you reserve more than 1024 kilobytes (KB) of memory for CacheSize, in conjunction with setting BitMapMemory, Word may be unable to manage resources effectively. Specifically, Word may not release memory that has been incorrectly reserved, and unstable system conditions could occur.

For additional information about Word settings please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

180850 WD98: What Is Stored in the Word Settings (8) File

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/4/2002
Keywords:kbbug kbenv KB187223
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.