Ram problems with vista.

[missalissa]

Very recently my RAM usage shot up. I only have 1 gb but its a laptop so its really not that easy to get more. I can't figure out what program is useing it all but its constantly using about 650-730 mb of ram. Does anyone have any recomendations for fixing this?

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

its constantly using about 650-730 mb of ram.

Where are you looking at this?

What Operating System?

[patio]

Vista utilises RAM very differently than previous Windows versions...it will gobble up what's there most times.
Is the laptop running OK ? ?

[missalissa]

Just under the task manager. I think under the tab processes. I'm at school right now so i can't look.

[missalissa]

No its running horrible. The internet has basically stopped working, i can't open more than one program no matter how small, and it used to run WoW just fine, and that uses 512mb by its self.

[soybean]

What protections are you using against viruses and spyware?  Do you have a maintenance routine, using Windows Disk Cleanup or a third-party tool such as CCleaner, for cleaning up temporary files, etc? 

Do you still have all the miscellaneous software that the manufacturer installed in your computer when it was new?  If so, read this: http://adrynalyne.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!AB9DE24BE9AF1B9F!303.entry and heed it's advise.

[missalissa]

I have windows defender... i do disk cleanups and defrags all the time i'm considering doing a format, but if i do, will it restore to exactly how it was when i got the computer? because the computer came with certain programs on it already, and i really don't wanna lose those.

[JJ 3000]

Do you have a recovery partition?

[missalissa]

I'm going to assume no. I dont' really know what that is....

[soybean]

Open the "Computer" folder so see what drives it shows.  If you have a recovery partition, it will appear there, probably as drive D.

... will it restore to exactly how it was when i got the computer?

Yes, it should be the same configuration as when new.

[missalissa]

OK thank you alot. I'm not on my computer right now, so i'll find out when i get home if i have a recvery partition, if i have one, what is it you want me to do with it?

Sorry if i sound stupid for not knowing, I know a bit more than the average bear about computers but not alot more...

[soybean]

My Compaq Presario notebook PC has a folder named Recovery Manager on the All Programs menu.  If I open that folder, it has a menu item, also named Recovery Manager, which will start the recovery tool.  I believe this may vary among different brands of computers, but that's how mine is set up.

Keep in mind a full restore will erase all your files, so backup everything you want to keep before proceeding with this.  If you want to save email messages, email account setups, browser bookmarks/favorites, etc., in addition to other files, you'll need to include them, too.  You'll need to backup to an external media, such as CD, DVD, flash drive, or external hard drive.

[Broni]

Download HijackThis:
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis/download
by clicking on Download HijackThis Installer
Install, and run it.
Post HijackTHis log.

[BC_Programmer]

why did it take this long for anybody to suggest following any malware removal steps?

Broni to the rescue  !!!

[Hunter484]

...its constantly using about 650-730 mb of ram.

I think that's normal for Vista.

Vista's a massive memory hog.  I've heard of it using up to a Gig of RAM, just sitting there without any program running!