Pocket PC's that use the Windows Mobile 2003 or earlier operating systems include a memory slider that can be used to allocate available memory between Storage memory and Program memory. 

• Storage memory:  Any documents or applications you install to main memory are placed in Storage memory
• Program memory:  Used by the Pocket PC for program execution

By default, the Pocket PC reserves half of its available memory for Storage and half of its available memory for Program execution.  When you install applications or documents to the Pocket PC's main memory, the Pocket PC automatically adjusts the allocation of available memory between Storage and Program to maintain a 50/50 distribution.  Whenever you Install documents and applications to main memory, you essentially take memory away from Program memory

Windows Mobile 2003 (and earlier) OS devices, include a memory slider, which allows you to reallocate the division of available memory between Storage and Program. 

But the slider always pops back to the center whenever I move the slider to the left!

Unfortunately, you cannot allocate ALL your free memory to Program execution.  Some portion of available memory must be reserved for Storage so the Pocket PC can write temporary files, etc.  If you try to allocate most of your free memory to Program, the slider will automatically adjust back to the middle.

To get the slider to "stick" you must reserve at least 1/6th of the available memory to Storage.  As you can see in the above screenshot from my hw2415, I have a total of 34.73 MB of free memory (6.11 MB + 28.62 MB ).  One sixth of that memory is about 6 MB (34.73/6).  I have reserved 6.11 MB of free memory to Storage and the rest goes to Program. 

Over time, as the amount of free memory changes, you will find that the slider has returned to the middle position.  Whenever you add new files or install new software, you should check to see how your memory is allocated and make whatever adjustments are necessary.

Registry hacks, etc.

There is a registry hack you can set that will cause the memory slide to lock in to place, and, SKTools also has an option that can lock this in.  However, I am reluctant to use these methods because I am not sure how the Pocket PC will respond if the amount of free memory changes dramatically. 

• Registry hack:  Use a registry editor, like the one that is included with Total Commander, to create an empty key called NeverDorkMemory under the HKCU\ Software\ Microsoft\ Shell\.  Soft reset your Pocket PC and the memory slider will not automatically change.
• SKTools:  Open up SKTools > Tune UP! > System Memory and Speed tab > scroll down and highlight "Alternative memory management."  Tap the down arrow to the right of dialogue box at the top of the screen to choose "Yes."  Soft reset your Pocket PC and the memory slider will not automatically change. 

Final Thoughts

I discovered some time ago that the more memory I reserve for Program execution on my hx2415, the better it runs.  When I figured this out, I uninstalled many applications from main memory and reinstalled them to my 4GB storage card.  Most applications run fine from my storage card.  Allocating most of the Pocket PC's free main memory to Program has greatly improved my hx2415's performance, and I hardly ever soft reset.

Unfortunately, there is no way to reallocate available memory on WM5.0 devices.

For more information

"Maximizing the dynamic (program) RAM memory by dragging the memory slider," Werner Ruotsalainen (aka Menneisyys)

Did you enjoy this Post? Subscribe to From My Pocket