This tip will not explain what system resources are and exactly why they get depleted; if you do not understand this concept you are advised to ask your local Windows 95 guru. Just realize that as you work longer in each Win95 session, the computer seems to "slow down" and the hard drive will be accessed more.

Although not as important as when working in Win3.1, keeping an eye on the system resources is an effective method on maximizing Win95 usage. Unfortunately, not all Win95 software is perfect, crashes happen, etc., and programs may not relinquish some of their control on the o/s (shell). As this continues to occur, Win95 starts performing much more "sluggishly." As this resource count drops to the "red zone" (arguably 40% or under), it is advised that you reboot your system.

To keep an eye on your system resources, simply select the "Start" menu and choose "Accessories," then "Systems Tools," and then "Resource Meter." You will now be advised that using the meter itself takes up some resources, but this amount is negligible. Click on the check box to not display the message again.

Run EXPLORE, and open up the main WINDOWS directory. Now, click on the left pane's outline control to open up the START MENU\PROGRAMS\STARTUP folder (you will be clicking on the plus's next to the folder names; you open the directories, but their contents do not replace the contents already seen in the right pane). Right click on RSRCMTR (or RSRCMTR.EXE depending on how your copy of Win95 is set up) from the right pane, and drag it to the word "StartUp" in the left pane. Choose "Create Shortcut(s) Here."

Now, every time you start Win95, you will have a resource meter on your taskbar where you can quickly an easily keep a tab on your resource count.

Print This Tip

Get E-Mail When New Tips are Online

Return to the Windows 95 General Troubleshooting page.