386 Enhanced-Mode Windows on 2 MB 386 Computers

 Last reviewed: November 30, 1994
Article ID: Q63824
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a, 3.1, 3.11

SUMMARY

To successfully run 386 enhanced-mode Microsoft Windows on a 386 computer with only 2 MB of random access memory (RAM), you must have approximately 5 to 6 MB of free disk space. Without ample disk space, you experience problems printing and running MS-DOS applications. Print jobs either terminate prematurely or are garbled. MS-DOS applications report insufficient memory.

MORE INFORMATION

The disk space is necessary for writing temporary files. In enhanced mode, Windows is dependent upon virtual memory to swap in and out code to and from the hard drive. If little disk space is free, then demand paging is disabled. Once this occurs, it is impossible to start additional MS-DOS applications without first closing others.

As an alternative for freeing disk space, and as a system performance boost, it is possible to supplement the system's internal RAM with additional physical memory. Consult your hardware vendor for assistance in determining the system's needs.

KBCategory: kbhw kbenv
KBSubcategory: winmem win30 win31
Additional reference words: 3.00 3.0 3.0a 3.00a 3.10 3.11

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Last reviewed: November 30, 1994
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