Insufficient Virtual Memory Space

If there is insufficient space for the virtual memory support file (PAGEFILE.SYS) to expand during SQL Server startup, SQL Server will fail to start.

If SQL Server fails to start, you might receive a message stating specifically that this is the problem, or you might receive a message stating only that the SQL Server service could not start.

There are several ways to correct this problem:

• Delete some files to free space on the disk.

Or

• Change the size or location of the virtual memory support file, as described in the following procedure.

    To change the size of PAGEFILE.SYS

1. In the Windows NT Control Panel, start the System application.
2. Choose the Virtual Memory button.
3. From the Drive [Volume Label] list box, select the drive on which SQL Server is installed.
4. In the Maximum Size box, enter a new maximum size, in megabytes, for PAGEFILE.SYS.
5. Choose the OK button.

For additional information about setting the size of PAGEFILE.SYS, see your documentation for Windows NT.