An error message similar to “The paging file is too small for this operation to complete” appears when I try opening a very large file. How do I fix this error?
You will need to have a certain amount of available memory to open a very large file. Memory is divided into physical and virtual memory. Increasing virtual memory will enable you to open very large files. Increasing physical memory will make it a lot faster though it requires buying RAM. These steps will show you how to increase the virtual memory.
- Open Windows Settings, go to System, and go to the About page.
- Under Device specifications, click on the Advanced system settings link.
- In the Advanced tab, in the Performance group, click on Settings…
- In the Performance Options dialog, go to the Advanced tab and in the Virtual memory group, click on Change…
- Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
- Select Custom Size and enter a value to Initial size and Maximum size that is greater than the Currently allocated value.
- Doubling the Currently allocated value is a good idea.
- Click Set, OK, then restart Windows.
- If the paging file error appears again, increase the virtual memory until enough memory is available so that the error doesn’t occur.