Setting a Swap File on a RAM Drive (89700)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 3.0
  • Microsoft Windows 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows 3.11
This article was previously published under Q89700
Windows running in 386 enhanced mode does not allow a swap file to be set up on a RAM drive.

Windows uses its swap file to provide demand-paged virtual memory in 386 enhanced mode. Virtual memory allows you to use more memory than is physically installed in your machine. Virtual memory is used when you run out of physical memory.

A RAM drive occupies physical memory, which would take physical memory away from Windows running in 386 enhanced mode. Thus, swapping to a RAM drive is, effectively, taking away physical memory to provide a place to create virtual memory.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/7/2005
Keywords:KB89700
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