Swapfile (Paging File) and Hard Disk Access Problems

The swapfile (Windows 9x/Me) or paging file (Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP) is a file on a local hard disk that is used as a supplement to memory. A swapfile or paging file must be stored on a local hard disk.

Problems with the swapfile can result from

  • Disk surface problems with the partition used for the swapfile— These problems can cause the system to halt with various types of errors including page faults, GPFs, and others. Use ScanDisk in Windows 9x/Me or Chkdsk (error-checking) in Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP to check the drive for errors and repair them, and then retry the operation. Check for program-specific causes if the errors occur again.

  • Lack of space for the swapfile— By default, Windows uses ...

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