Windows 2000 shuts down slowly with "Clear virtual memory pagefile when system shuts down" setting (320423)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
This article was previously published under Q320423

SYMPTOMS

When the Clear virtual memory pagefile when system shuts down group policy setting is turned on in Windows 2000, the computer may take longer to shut down than it normally does.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because when this policy setting is turned on, the computer must physically write to each page in the pagefile to clear each page. The period of time that it takes for the system to clear the pagefile varies according to the pagefile size, and the disk hardware that is involved.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

By default, the Clear virtual memory pagefile when system shuts down group policy setting is turned off in Windows 2000. To confirm this setting on the server:
  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Administrative Tools.
  3. Double-click Local Security Policy.
  4. Double-click Local Policies.
  5. Click Security Options.
  6. Look in the right column for Clear virtual memory pagefile when system shuts down, and then click to select the Effective Setting column.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:11/9/2005
Keywords:kbenv kbprb KB320423
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