Error Message Premiere Pro CS3 running short of system memory; then closes

Question

Lately Premiere CS3 is giving me the error message "running very low on system memory, save project and proceed with caution" and then it frequently closes on me unexpectedly. Hints?

Answer 1

If you are getting a "real" error, then the first thing that I would recommend is to study your programs and Processes in Task Manager. Look closely at the Processes tab. What is loaded and running? A screen-cap of the Processes list might help people to spot many that are totally unnecessary and can safely be removed from the boot files via MSCONFIG.
Next, when you're going to edit, Exit from ALL anti-virus, spyware blockers and pop-up blockers. Obviously, you will NOT want to be surfing the 'Net, once you do that. If you are editing, you will not be using other programs, except as required for actually editing - might be Photoshop, Encore, Illustrator, but no e-mail, messaging, iTunes, etc.. Next, use a program, like EndItAll2, to close down all unnecessary programs and Processes. It used to be freeware, but is now shareware. When installed, it surveys all running Processes and builds a database of the ones that it believes are unnecessary. It's really good at this, but you can tweak it easily, should it overlook one, or included one, that is really necessary. The reason that I Exit from things like AV and spyware detectors, is that by design, they will "lie" to programs like EndItAll2 and say that they ARE necessary. That is the way they works against Trojans, etc., that will try to close these to duck detection. There are other such programs, and many are freeware. I just use this one on every machine. Luckily, I got copies, when it was freeware, but would gladly pay for the shareware version, since it's so very good.
Now, your system is clean, lean and mean. You have rid it of some programs and Processes on a semi-permanent basis with MSCONFIG and then closed out of others. Last, on a session basis, you have eliminated many more.
One more step that can make a world of difference: check your Windows' Virtual Memory settings. Study the location of the Page File and also the management configuration. I like a static Page File, off of my C:\ and not on my media file HDD. I set to 2.5x my physical RAM. Others will locate this file elsewhere. It might take a bit of experimentation to find what is best for you.
Last, more HDD's, properly used, of adequate speed and size, will benefit you. Always defrag all HDD's on a regular basis. Much gets written to, read from, and often deleted during editing. This can fragment a HDD in a hurry. See the articles that are linked HERE. There is a wealth of info on setting up one's physical HDD's, plus other tips.
Now, you are ready to edit efficiently and smoothly, provided that you have good Assets, that PrPro likes. Still, as has been mentioned, there is a false error, and it often pops up with Titler.
Good luck,
Hunt