Stack Page Error Message - Help

[SunnyBrook]

Recently, my computer has slowed to a crawl, especially if I have 3 or 4 things going, am surfing eBay, downloading, etc. I have dumped temp files, defragged, run AdAware and SpyBot, etc. to no avail. I also am getting quite a few problems with pages loading in the IE browser window. Part of the page will load, then a garbled line or 2 of what appears to be HTML code where the rest of the page should be loading.

Today, I got a pop-up error message from Windows that said something like the following:

You have no spare stack pages. It may be necessary to increase the settings of MinSPs in System.INI to prevent possible stack faults...currently 5 SPs are allocated...

What does that mean, and is there anything I can do about it? Is this what is causing me problems, and why?

BTW, I'm running Windows 98 SE on an IBM Aptiva. (old) I last reformatted several months ago.

[DoctorDoom]

What you're describing sounds like a memory stick problem.

First, does your hard drive light flash constantly or stay on for unusually long periods? This would indicate excessive swapfile usage. It will slow the box to a crawl.

Second, right-click My Computer, and select Properties. Near the bottom right, you should see *** MB of RAM, with *** being some number depending on how much RAM is installed. If the number is lower than what you know is in there, you most likely have a RAM failure.

If you have a model number for the Aptiva, we can find out how much RAM it came with from the factory. Assuming it hasn't been changed, that's what you should see on the Properties page.

Re the stack pages, this is from Microsoft.

[ QUOTE ]
To resolve this behavior, add the following line to the [386Enh] section of the System.ini file, and then restart your computer:

MinSPs=4

If the behavior continues to occur, increase the number of spare stack pages in increments of 4 (for example, 8, 12, 16).

NOTE: Each spare stack page requires 4 KB of memory.

To edit the System.ini file for Windows 95, 98 and 98se:

1. Click Start, click Run, type sysedit in the Open box, and then click OK.
2. Click System.ini on the Window menu.
3. In the [386Enh] section, type the following line:<ul type="square">MinSPs=4[/list]4. On the File menu, click Exit, and then click Yes to save the changes.
5. Restart your computer.

[/ QUOTE ]
Error Message: There Are No Spare Stack Pages (http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=149083)

It's odd that yours says 5 pages. Add the line if it's not in the [386Enh] section, using 16 instead of the 4 shown above. If it's there, edit it to MinSPs=16

Let us know what you find.

[SunnyBrook]

Thanks Doc!

My computer shows 64.0MB Ram, which is accurate. I went ahead and changed the System.ini, which does seem to have corrected the problem. So far, so good anyway...

I'll post again if it starts slowing down.

[Rink]

upgrade the ram, if anything to another 65mb stick o ram so you'll have 130mb

[DoctorDoom]

64 MB is only barely adequate for 98SE. A RAM upgrade will do wonders for performance. Go for at least 128, but 256 would be much better. It of course depends on what your model can hold.

IBM Aptiva model select (http://www.crucial.com/store/listmodel.asp?cat=RAM&amp;mfr=IBM&amp;productline=Aptiva&amp;s ubmit=Go)

Go to that page, select your model from the dropdown list, and the site will tell you what's installed, what can be installed, and their part numbers for an upgrade if you want to buy from them. They manufacture and sell RAM, so don't be surprised at the hype on the page. However, it's a top-drawer company, so you can't go wrong.

Ex, for a Type 2134, this is what it says:

System Information for the IBM Aptiva Type 2134 All Models

System Type: Desktop Computer
Maximum memory: 128MB
Standard memory: 10MB removable
Slots/banks: 4 (2 banks of 2)
What's best for you?

[Rink]

heh I have 384MB ram

[DoctorDoom]

I have 512. NYAH NYAH NYAH! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif

[SunnyBrook]

OK. I have a model 2153-E3U

2 banks of 1

I can upgrade to 256 if I buy 2 128 for a little over $100.
Should I try to find this cheaper through New Egg, EBay, etc.
or is this a good deal? Also, how do I know I'm getting the right kind of RAM?

Thanks guys!

[Rink]

take the stick o ram u have in with you at a comp shop and they will be able to tell you what kind you have, I did that, and learned.

O and doc, my dual proc thats ALMOST ready to be finished can take Two gigs worth o DDR ram

to there!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue1.gif

[DoctorDoom]

The RAM in the machine is SDRAM, PC100, CL=2, Unbuffered, Non-parity. It's 168-pin DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module).

You can get generic RAM for less, but there's no way of knowing what quality you're getting. Name brand modules run about the same price from most companies. With Crucial RAM bought from the company, you are guaranteed that it will work. Kingston (http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator/modelsinfo.asp?SysID=6954&amp;distributor=0&amp;submit1=Se arch) will also do that from their site, but their 128MB module is $86, and minimum for it is $63.

Here's a way to check what's available out there.

http://www.pricewatch.com/h/prc.aspx?i=33&amp;a=1282&amp;f=1

NewEgg has memory, but doesn't stock PC100, and it's possible that PC133 won't work in an older box with certain Intel chipsets.

If you can't swing the full c-note, buy one now and add one later. That has the advantage that if it makes enough of a performance difference that you are satisfied with it, you saved $50. If you do that, be sure the new module is in slot 1.

This is what the board should look like.

http://www.c-techonline.com/images/36L9051.JPG

The memory slots are the two black strips with the white clips on each end. Theoetically, slot 1 is the one closest to the CPU socket (the large white square near the top).

Installing involves taking static precautions by unplugging the machine and touching the case with your hand. This discharges any static electricity and brings you to the case potential. Don't fret the concept. It's a good thing.

The next step is to remove the existing RAM. This is done by pushing outward on both clips, which pops the sticks out. Check to see which side the "chips" (black squares) on the memory are facing. The new strips go in the same way. They only fit one way because of a "key" that lines up with a slot on the stick. Forcing them backwards will break something.

Keep yourself grounded when you take the new stick(s) out of the antistatic bag(s). One spark and you have an expensive ornament. Line them up carefully on the slots, being sure that the clips are wide open, and push down gently. Forcing is a Bad Thing. Using the bag to insulate your hand from the stick is a good extra caution. Once the stick is properly inserted, the clips will snap inward to verify it.

After that, put the cover on and you should be in business. It's a good idea to hang on to the old sticks, just in case.

All this sounds easy, but no doubt you'll be working around cables and wire strips. If it looks daunting, a local computer geek or comp shop should be able to do it.


Here's some useful info to help understand a little of the geekspeak.

Chip density, compatibility, and pricing (http://www.crucial.com/library/128Mb_vs_256Mb.asp)

And here's a glossary of terms FYI.

Memory Terms Glossary (http://www.crucial.com/library/glossary.asp)

[Rink]

one more thing, if taking a ram chip to the store, Dont put it in an envelope or paper of any sort, put it in static-free plastic!!!!

[SunnyBrook]

Thanks a bunch! I'll let ya'll know how it turns out. Doc, I've tinkered around inside the case before, replacing &amp; cleaning fans and whatnot, so I think I'll do fine. Thanks for the great pic and explanation.