Configuring Virtual Memory
In Microsoft Windows Server 2003, virtual memory paging file size should be configured based on the services concurrently running on the computer. When you are running SQL Server, consider setting the virtual memory paging file size to 1.5 times the physical memory installed in the computer.
If you have installed the Full-Text Search feature and plan to run the Microsoft Search service so that you can do full-text indexing and querying, consider configuring:
The virtual memory size to at least 3 times the physical memory installed in the computer.
The SQL Server max server memory server configuration option to 1.5 times the physical memory (half the virtual memory size setting).
Note
Although Windows Server will allow you to operate without a paging file, this is not recommended.
If the virtual memory setting is too low, Windows might generate an error message that provides options for addressing the issue. These options include closing some applications, increasing the size of the current paging file, or creating an additional paging file.
Note
The steps for changing the size of the virtual memory paging file depend on which version of Windows Server you are using. Refer to the Windows Server documentation for specific steps for your server.