Issue / Question
Low memory error message on Windows CE devices
How can the device get more storage memory and less program memory?
Applicable To
Windows CE6 / CE7
Resolution / Answer
On Windows CE devices, the System Memory Slider is used to change the ratio between Program memory and Storage memory.
Program memory - The part of RAM used by programs for execution.
Storage memory - The part used by object store and file systems.
In many cases, the majority of storage memory is unused, which may result in a shortage of program memory.
To resolve this, follow the steps provided below:
- Select Start > Settings > Control Panel > System.
- Select the Memory tab.
- Adjust the slider to the left to allocate more Program memory reducing Storage memory or to the right increasing the Storage memory while reducing Program memory.
- Tap OK to save.
- Warm boot the device for the change to take effect.
 |
IMPORTANT! On Windows CE devices such as MC9200 and VC70, this change is not cold boot persistent and will be defaulted. The VH10 and XT15 devices are Cold Reset persistent. |
The Persist MemoryBar Utility was created to address persistence for the memory setting. After being installed on the device, the utility will run once after boot to modify the Program memory setting then exits.
 |
NOTE This tool does not support CE7 devices running on 1GB RAM. |
The utility default is to set 75% Program memory with a configurable range from 50 - 90%.
The value can be modified by adding a registry key (as a .reg file in the Application drive for persistence).
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Symbol\PersistStorageSize] "PersistStorageSize"=dword:4B
The PersistStorageSize is the Program memory bar value as a percent in Hex:
75% = 4B
80% = 50
90% = 5A
