Technical Support

Low Memory Problems - DOS

Problem: While operating VersaForm the customer is getting insufficient memory messages.

Cause: VersaForm needs 550,000 of "Conventional Memory" to operate effectively. Too much "Conventional Memory" is being used by other DOS based programs.

As various functions are performed in VersaForm the memory needed is released.  However this process tends to "fragment" the memory leaving smaller and smaller blocks of memory available.

Solution: There two solutions to this problem - 1) Use the VersaForm utilities to turn on the memory saver option and 2) Run a DOS based program called memmaker.

Returning to the Main Menu generally releases a lot of the fragmented memory. Another option is to exit VersaForm and re-start the program.

Keystrokes: From anywhere in VersaForm:

Press <ALT+U>.

Select "Turn Memory Saver On" or press "M". Memory saver will be turned on and VersaForm will require a smaller amount of "Conventional Memory". This process will slow the process down a bit.

NOTE: To turn Memory Saver off - Press <ALT+U> and select "Turn Memory Saver Off" or press "M".

Notes: To check how much "conventional memory" is available - from the DOS prompt type "mem" and press the <Enter> key. A table will show the types of memory on the system and how much is free.

To determine which version of DOS is being run - from the DOS prompt type "ver". A statement indicating the version of DOS being used will be displayed.

"Memmaker" is a DOS based program that ships with DOS versions 6.xx. If the customer has DOS 6.xx follow these steps:

Close all operating programs - including Windows.

If the a menu program is being used it will be necessary to put a "rem" statement in front of the line that calls the menu program in the "autoexec.bat" file before running "memmaker". Be sure to remove the "rem" statement from the line when the task is completed.

At the DOS prompt type "memmaker" and press <Enter>.

Follow the prompts accepting the "Express" method and saying "N" when asked about "expanded" memory.

References: MS DOS manual for information on "memmaker" and page 5 of the MD VersaForm manual.

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The VersaForm Support Policy does not cover hardware, operating systems, or software not produced by VersaForm Systems Corporation.  We hope the information supplied will provide a solution to your non-VersaForm issue.  If you do not understand the above or if it does not solve the problem you are experiencing, please contact a technical person in your area or the vendor of the hardware or software you are using.

Email your support questions to tech@versaform.com

This information is provided as a courtesy.  VersaForm Systems Corporation has provided this information "AS IS" without warranty of any kind – express or implied.  In no event shall VersaForm Systems Corporation be liable for any damages whatsoever including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, loss of business profits or special damages.