By default
most BIOS settings are configured for compatibility over
performance. As such, it’s worth checking your BIOS settings
to determine whether any options can be altered to allow for
improved performance. In particular RAM settings: latency
timings, as well as Hard Drive related, e.g. ATA Transfer
mode) without adversely affecting system stability. BIOS
options vary greatly depending on the age of the
motherboard, the manufacturer and chipset; options may also
be added or removed depending on the BIOS revision used. As
such I’d recommend checking the
Definitive BIOS Optimization Guide (or skip
right to the
Free
version) for optimal setup tips: the Memory
Subsystem section alone covers 70 options!
Memory Dump
Options
Before adjusting the
Page File size you’ll need to check Memory Dump options as
they affect exactly what you can do with the Page File and
its size. Open System Properties, select the
Advanced tab, then the Startup and Recovery Settings
button.
Note – For the
purpose of the guide we’re only interested in the Write
debugging information option.
Write debugging
information. This drop-down
menu specifies the data to be dumped (useful for
troubleshooting purposes) in the event of a STOP error
occurring, 4 options are available:
(none).
Selecting this option specifies that no data is dumped. This places no
limitations on Page File configuration, although makes it more
difficult to diagnose the source of system crashes in the event they
occur.
Small memory dump
(64KB). Selecting this option
dumps minimal system information for troubleshooting
purposes when a STOP error occurs. This requires a
Page File of 2MB
or greater located on the Boot volume, i.e. the Drive XP is installed.
This option is recommended as it makes it easier to diagnose the source
of system crashes in the event they occur e.g. Forum users can post their minidumps for others to examine or yourself by using Microsoft Debugging Tools WinDbg (Thanks Shiv).
Kernel memory
dump. Selecting this option
dumps kernel memory for troubleshooting purposes when a STOP
error occurs (This provides more detailed information than
Small memory dump). This requires a Page File
of 50-800MB located on the Boot volume.
Complete memory
dump. Selecting this option
dumps the entire contents of system memory for
troubleshooting purposes when a STOP error occurs (This
provides the most detailed records of the system state when
the STOP error occurred). This requires a Page File of
RAM + 1MB on the boot volume.
Click Ok when
you’ve made your choice, and restart the PC for the changes
to be applied.
