I'm currently working with GIMP to create a kitbash, and for the 2nd time in as many hours it has frozen on me mid project. So in a effert to release my frustration in a constructive manor, I'm asking for advice. As opposed to the oh so desirable fall back, destruction, but I really cannot part with this computer at the moment.

Now I need to point out that I'm aware that there are probably many fine, reliable, wonderful alternate software programs I could buy. However, I lack the funds for any such expenditure. Ditto for any computer upgrades.

So on to the details. I use windows xp on a 1.46 GHz laptop with 512 ram.

I have encountered this problem in the past. However, I had written it off as a issue that arrose if I left my computer for long enough that the screen saver software program began to run. So I didn't pay much attention to it. But today is different, both times I was in the middle of use GIMP. Both times I was simply copying and pasteing a small area, less than 5".

My current theory is that its a memory problem. In the past, not when using GIMP, sometimes I get a message that I'm out of "virtual memory?". Typically this happens if someone has been playing a game, but after they exit the software. Usually I simply restart the computer.

Now I wasn't playing a game, but I had opened a closed multiple adobe and GIMP files to copy textures into my current project. So I think that either the old files or the clip board simply took up too much memory.

Anyone know if I'm on the right track?

Other ideas?

Solutions?

Entirely possible that it is a RAM issue. It is best to set your paging file (virtual memory) to a static size. In your case, 1GB should be sufficient (SHOULD). Also, you could disable your screen saver when working with GIMP and also disable ANY power saving methods and work only when plugged in. If you need help finding that in the WinXP menus, let me know.

I don't know how to set the paging file size.

I can disable the screen saver program. But what should I use instead? I never know how long it will take when I'm called away, so I cannot disable the screen saver entirely. And wouldn't closing the laptop be as disruptive as the screen saver? On my laptop closing it takes me back to the user login menu.

What power saving methods? Are there ones for only when its plugged in? I don't want to risk draining the battery dry.

Thanks for any help.

Well the third times the charm, so no more GIMP tonight. Apparently 1 GIMP file and 1 explorer window are too much. Or logging off doesn't clear the memory problem.

Or thats not the issue at all.

I have found that often Adobe hangs and doesn't close properly, so when you exit from Adobe files use your Task Manager to make sure that it has actually fully closed. I've had a hung Adobe process crash my laptop when trying to use Acrobat more than once (grrrr).

Also, cut and paste from adobe to other mediums isn't your friend. It seems to take a lot of memory. If you can open the files directly and cut and paste in the same program (like GIMP), so much the better.

Occasionally, simply restarting your machine won't always clear memory registers. I find that if you want to make sure that you're getting a clean restart, shut down the machine and let it sit for at least 10 seconds. Do this especially after a lot of heavy lifting or game playing.

Its a laptop? Get a tiny screwdriver and make sure to tighten the screws on the bottom every 3 months or so. Don't over-tighten them. I've seen this fix more problems with laptops than you'd believe. (Something to do with the way they're packed in and space and things being loose and all.)

Also, check your fan. Make sure the thing isn't overheating. Laptops get hot quickly, and do funky things if they get too hot.


And finally, if you can afford anything at all extra for the computer, get some more memory. That always helps.

I echo what the others have said already, emphasizing 2 things:

Heat - put the laptop on a hard surface possibly with a book or somthing under the rear for more ventilation.

Ram - I advise anyone on XP using graphic programs, video editing or anything like that to have a *minimum* of 1gig of ram.
A typical XP install can easily chew up 200+ megs of ram, add your antivirus, messenger or whatever in the background and it is easy to chew 300 megs. leaving you with just around 200 megs to edit with. From my experience with Photoshop, it often uses 3x the file size in ram for a process and as high as 10x for particularly complex filters, processes and so on.