Memory Allocation
If you work with large data sets such as large assemblies, smaller assemblies
with complex parts, etc., SolidWorks might need more memory that a 32-bit
system allocates to user processes such as SolidWorks.
Recommendation
A 64-bit operating system with sufficient hardware resources is recommended
when working with large data sets such as large assemblies, assemblies
with complex parts, etc. For system hardware and operating system requirements
and recommendations, see SolidWorks
System Requirements. With a 64-bit operating system, SolidWorks
can address up to 8 TB of memory.
Alternative
A 32-bit Microsoft Windows NT-based operating system allows a maximum
of only 4GB of RAM. By default, 2GB is allocated to the operating system
and 2GB is allocated to applications. While not recommended as a long
term solution, in a 32-bit Windows XP Professional system, you can adjust
the memory allocation. The /3GB
switch allows you to allocate 3GB of RAM to applications by decreasing
the amount allocated to the operating system. The SolidWorks software
is written to take advantage of the extra RAM available to applications
when the /3GB switch is activated.
For more information about the /3GB
switch, see the Microsoft design article Memory Support and Windows Operating
Systems.
IMPORTANT!
Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) has known problems in which Windows might
not start or might send a "Stop" error message if you activate
the /3GB switch. Contact Microsoft
Product Support Services to obtain the fixes. For more information, see
the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base at http://support.microsoft.com:
328269 - Windows XP SP1 May Not Start with the /3GB or /USERVA Switch
829364 - "Stop" Error Message When You Start Windows XP by Using
the /3GB Switch
To activate the /3GB switch in Windows XP Professional:
Obtain and install any necessary fixes from Microsoft
for your operating system.
To see the latest articles
and fixes related to the /3GB
switch, search the Microsoft Knowledge Base for /3GB.
Back up your boot drive (typically drive C).
Edit the boot.ini
file on your computer, add /3GB
as shown, then save the file.
|
Typical boot.ini file. (Your
file might be slightly different.) |
|
|
The boot.ini
file is a protected system file. You might need to change folder options
to view protected system files. For instructions on how to find and edit
the boot.ini file, search the
Microsoft Knowledge Base for edit boot.ini.
Restart your computer.
The operating system now allocates 1GB of
RAM to the operating system and 3GB of RAM to applications.