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how to reduce current mem use of 3GB to match my 512MB RAM

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  • Last reply by cor-el

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As a layman, I understand that Firefox gets extra memory (above my 512 MB RAM) by creating virtual memory from the hard disk. With single tab, Firefox shows mem use of about 1.5 GB. When just a few tabs are opened, it goes to nearly 3GB. Then problems begin to appear. Often a requested webpage would show "Not Responding" making the whole laptop stuck - even it becomes impossible to close the tab or any or all other tabs. Then I have to close firefox by ending firefox process using the Windows Task Manager - but worse still, accessing Windows Task Manager becomes difficult sometimes in such situation.

Please note that I have just a few add-ons, and have tried to remain Basic in my preferences. Have Wikipediadev, SaveAs, BlockImage, JustDisableJavascript/Image, and PastelGradient (my spellings may be incorrect).

As a layman, I understand that Firefox gets extra memory (above my 512 MB RAM) by creating virtual memory from the hard disk. With single tab, Firefox shows mem use of about 1.5 GB. When just a few tabs are opened, it goes to nearly 3GB. Then problems begin to appear. Often a requested webpage would show "Not Responding" making the whole laptop stuck - even it becomes impossible to close the tab or any or all other tabs. Then I have to close firefox by ending firefox process using the Windows Task Manager - but worse still, accessing Windows Task Manager becomes difficult sometimes in such situation. Please note that I have just a few add-ons, and have tried to remain Basic in my preferences. Have Wikipediadev, SaveAs, BlockImage, JustDisableJavascript/Image, and PastelGradient (my spellings may be incorrect).

All Replies (2)

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Please refer to this Mozilla support article for some basic steps that can help to resolve this issue:

If you require more assistance, please let us know.

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Create a new profile as a test to check if your current profile is causing the problem.

See "Creating a profile":

If the new profile works then you can transfer files from a previously used profile to the new profile, but be cautious not to copy corrupted files to avoid carrying over problems.