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Thanks to reader, Olivia, who also recommends to turn off the paging file in not only the system properties, but also in the registry. I haven’t noticed any particular difference in performance after editing the registry, but I figure it couldn’t hurt. If anyone notices a difference, please let me know.

You should not disable the paging file if you have not upgraded the RAM to the 1.5G maximum. If the computer does not have enough available real memory and no virtual memory, the system will crash. However, if you have upgraded the RAM, turning off the paging file will make your netbook a bit faster. First turn off the paging file in the system. You can disable it in the control panel:

CONTROL PANEL > SYSTEM > SYSTEM >ADVANCED(tab) > PERFORMANCE(SETTINGS) > ADVANCED(tab) > VIRTUAL MEMORY(CHANGE)

Reader Olivia suggests to also turn off the paging file in the registry:

START > RUN > (type) REGEDIT
Follow the directory structure to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\Session Manager\Memory Management\DisablePagingExecutive
Double click DisablePagingExecutive
Set the value to be “1″
Restart your computer

Larry, a MS MCSA commented advising against doing this and explains in detail why.

BAD ADVICE!
There is a great deal of confusion on the internet regarding the pagefile and the “DisablePagingExecutive” registry entry. This article is as confused as any I have seen.

Disabling the pagefile will most certainly NOT prevent paging. It will probably increase it. Paging of program code, DLL’s etc., can not be prevented and does not use the pagefile. There is no need to copy this code to the pagefile as it can simply be reloaded from the original files. Disabling the pagefile only prevents paging of modified data. This unbalances the memory management system and will probably impair performance. In some cases this impairment can be severe.

The “DisablePagingExecutive” registry entry actually has nothing to do with the pagefile. This setting only effects paging of a small portion of the Kernel and this does not use the pagefile. By default Windows will keep frequently accessed portions of the kernel in RAM whenever possible. Only in the event of heavy memory load would it be paged out. Enabling the setting will force portions of the Kernel to remain in RAM at all times, even if they are rarely used. It is generally best to allow Windows to page as necessary and not impose arbitrary restrictions.

I would strongly urge all who read this not to make any changes in system settings unless you understand what they do. Doing this can cause serious problems as well as impairing performance. The internet is notorious for spreading misinformation. The descriptions of these settings is rarely adequate and is often wrong.

Unless you really understand a system setting and have a specific reason to change it – LEAVE IT ALONE.

Larry Miller
Microsoft MCSA

Thanks Larry for taking the time to write and explain.

My Acer Aspire One A1101 only came with 512k of RAM and while that’s probably ample for the installed version of Linux, it’s not enough for my Windows XP installation. The good news is that there’s an extra socket for a 200pin SODIMM in the Aspire One. The bad news is that you need to take most of the computer apart to access it.

As long as you’re somewhat inclined with electronics, this install isn’t too hard, but be forewarned that it will invalidate your warranty, and while I haven’t heard of anyone having problems, could mess up your computer. In total the install took me about 20 minutes and I was moving slowly and carefully. I also followed these instructions on where all of the screws are located, and how to disassemble the system:

You’ll need a couple of very small flathead screwdrivers for prying and a small and a very small phillips screwdriver (there’s one silver screw that’s smaller than the rest under the keyboard). I ended up dremeling a screwdriver to make it smaller and fit this one particular screw. Make sure you’re doing this work on a non-carpeted floor to prevent static.

The only portion that I found difficult at all was removing the keyboard. As noted in the above video, there are three tabs that need to be pushed back, while prying the keyboard up at the same time. I used two small flat head screwdrivers, one to push in the tab and the other to gently pry. Just go slowly and be carefully and everything should come out and go back together smoothly.

The 1GB SODIMM can be found for less than $20 online. You will need a DDR PC2 4200 533MHZ SODIMM (if you get something faster it should just run it at 533MHZ). I found a Kingston one from an ebay seller for $14.50 shipped so shop around for a good deal. After the RAM is installed and the computer is put back together, check the BIOS (press F2 at startup) to make sure that the computer sees the new memory.