Computer tweak : How to Clear the Page File on Shutdown?

To save on Random Access Memory (RAM), Windows uses your Page File as a sort of cache. This can slow down your PC's overall performance. To remedy this situation, Windows XP has an option that allows users to clear the Page File when you shut down Windows. While this tweak tends to lengthen the shutdown time, it does have its performance benefits.

To set the computer to clear the page file without directly editing the registry is:

1. Click on the Start button
2. Go to the Control Panel
3. Administrative Tools
4. Local Security Policy
5. Local Policies
6. Click on Security Options
7. Right hand menu - right click on "Shutdown: Clear Virtual Memory Pagefile"
8. Select "Enable"
9. Reboot

To clear the page file using the Windows Registry:

Be sure to make a backup copy of your registry prior to making any changes to it.

1. Go to Start>> Run. Type in: regedit [Enter] or click OK.
   
2. Navigate to the following registry key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
   
   
3. Click once on the entry titled: "Memory Management". Its contents will now appear in the right pane.
   
4. In the right pane. Locate an entry titled: "ClearPageFileAtShutdown". Right click this entry and select "Modify".
   
5. Chance the Value to "1". This will enable this feature.
   
6. Exit the Windows Registry and reboot your system when prompted.
   

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