insufficient memory_SPSS

Question

I have Window Vista with service pack 2. I analyzed disseration data with SPSS statistics software. I had an error message saying "Insufficient Memory." I used different computers with 3, 4, or even 8 GB RAM but still had the same problem. I found that WINDOW XP service pack 2 encountered a similar problem when users used a third-party program and a hotfix was recommended to fix this problem. I was just wondering whether Window Vista service pack 2 has ever encountered any similar problem and consequently any soultion has been recommended. I will greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,

Answer 1

Not sure if you ever found the answer! But here it is in case someone else needs it:

If this 'Warning' appears in your SPSS output, then the problem is with SPSS:

"Insufficient memory to process the command.

Execution of this command stops."

Then,

Open a new Syntax document and type:

SHOW WORKSPACE and run it

The output file will show the current memory allocated to SPSS as:

6144 KB

Now, you want to increase this in multiples of 2 or 3:

type in syntax document"

SET WORKSPACE= 12288 and 'run' it

Now, type SHOW WORKSPACE and 'run'

The output document should show you 12288KB.

You are laughing now and you can run complex analyses, which will eat up your memory!!

Cheers,

Answer 2

Hello SPSS,

This article that I found that talks about Insufficient Memory in Windows Vista.

It is Article ID: 940105 - Virtual address space usage in Windows Vista game development

However, this fix was included in Windows Vista SP1 and since you have SP2, you already have the fix on your computer.

So  the insufficent memory may be caused by the way SPSS allocates virtual memory resources. Do you see this issue only when using the SPSS statistics software? Is this a new error or have you always seen this error when using the SPSS software?

You can try to adjust your visual Performance to see if that will help to alleviate the issue.

1.Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

2.Click System.

3.Click Advanced System Settings

4.Under Performance, Click Settings.

5.Under Visuals Effects, you may choose from a list of options such as Adjust for best performance or custom. If you choose Adjust for best performance all the features will be unchecked.

You can also check to see if limiting the amount of programs that startup might help.

You can use MSConfig, go to Startup tab and uncheck any unneccesary programs to startup.

Please let us know if this helps.

Marilyn

Answer 3

Hi Marilyn

Thanks for your input! I've followed through what you recommended. However, nothing unfortunately worked out. I even allocated maximum vitural memory capacity under "advanced" tab under "Settings," but it didn't solve this problem.

I've been using SPSS for about a decade, but I've never had this problem. This problem happens only when I use a specific analytic procedure (i.e., Mixed-Linear) of SPSS. I've contacted SPSS technical support team regarding this matter. Hopefully they figure out how to resolve this issue.

Thanks,