(Re)Defining Virtual Memory Storage Files

Virtual memory storage files are those allocations of disk space that mvBase uses for all MultiValue data processing and storage. Virtual memory storage files are valid Windows files viewable from within Windows Explorer. To add one or more virtual memory storage files to mvBase:

You must first install or upgrade mvBase.
You must calculate the minimum size of the first (or only) virtual memory storage file.
Authorization is not required until you start the Server.

This topic helps you calculate the minimum size of the first file to ensure that mvBase will work properly, and then shows you how to define virtual memory storage files.

Windows allows as many as 12 virtual memory storage files located on one or more hard disk drives. The first file must not be larger than 1024 MB, but the potential cumulative disk space allocation of two or more files is 2 terabytes (2048 GB). Because hard disk drives that could accommodate this quantity of allocation are not readily available, there is no practical limitation to the cumulative disk space allocation to virtual memory storage files on Windows systems.

Calculating the Size of the First Virtual Memory Storage File

The first (or only) virtual memory storage file must be a minimum size for mvBase to function properly. Use these two formulas to determine the minimum allowable size of this first (or only) virtual memory storage file.

To calculate the quantity of megabytes required for the O/S to host the first file, use this formula:

O/S MB =

((Elfs + Processes + 1) * (Frames Per Process)) + (ABS frames)

Frames Per MB

Parameter(s)

O/S MB	Total megabyte requirements on the system running the mvBase Server.
Elfs	Execution level frame set Elfs = 127 (default) or as defined in the registry (not via the Administration Utility)
Process	The number of processes as defined via the Server tab of the Administration Utility.
1	One extra process for the print Spooler.
Frames Per Process	152 for 32 primary workspace frames, plus 120 secondary workspace frames (3 sets of 40).
ABS frames	1024 frames.
rames Per MB	512 (1 MB/2048).

Then, to calculate the minimum virtual memory storage file size, use this formula:

VMS file size =

O/S MB + System Accounts MB + Round Up

Parameter(s)

O/S MB	Total megabyte requirements on the system running the mvBase Server.
System Accounts MB	4 MB to hold system accounts after a fileload of release accounts.
Roundup	Value rounded up to the next highest whole MB - the division truncates to the right of the decimal.

(Re)Defining Virtual Memory Storage Files

You must define at least one file which conforms to acceptable parameters prior to Server startup. You may add, delete or resize virtual memory storage files at any time, as long as your intended configuration falls within these general parameters:

Windows allows as many as 50 virtual memory storage files, with the only limitation in allocation being the maximum capacity of all associated hard disk drives.
The size of the first (or only) file must meet minimum size requirements.

To alter one or more files, you must install or upgrade mvBase, and you must stop the Server.

NOTE	After altering virtual memory storage files, you must perform a fileload in most cases. However, appending a new file or expanding the most recent file does not require a fileload.

CAUTION

Prior to adding, deleting or resizing virtual memory storage files, ensure that you have properly calculated the minimum and maximum size of the first file, and that you have calculated an allowable cumulative total of disk space which falls within allowable parameters.

Perform these steps to add, delete, or resize virtual memory storage files:

Calculate the minimum allowable size for the first (or only) virtual memory storage file. Do not configure this file to be smaller than the minimum size.
If you have installed mvBase on a Windows system, calculate the intended size and location of each additional virtual memory storage file.
Launch or switch to the Administration Utility.
Select the Server tab if not selected.
Ensure that the Server has no connected clients.
Stop the Server Application or Server Service if required. Server Application and Server Service status fields should display Stopped or Uninstalled.
Select Configure. The Configuring Server dialog box appears.
Select the Files tab.
Select either Add, Resize, or Delete. See steps 10-12 for additional information.

Adding a Virtual Memory Storage File
To add a file, select Add. The Add File dialog box displays.

Enter the path, name and size of the file to be added.
Select OK. A confirmation message box displays requesting confirmation to create the file name path.
Select OK. The Files tab displays with the newly-created virtual memory storage file. For example:

Select OK in the Files tab, or add, delete or resize another file.

Resizing a Virtual Memory Storage File

To resize a file, select the file name of the file to be resized, then select Resize. The Resize File dialog box appears.

NOTE	When resizing a virtual memory storage file, the action cannot be canceled with selection of the Cancel button in a subsequent dialog box. Be certain of your desired setting(s) before proceeding.

Enter the new file size, then select Apply. Any one of several ALERT messages displays. The precise contents of the ALERT message depends on resizing activity, permissibility of your revision, and any preexisting needs for a fileload. Respond to the messages accordingly.
Once all files are resized as required, select OK.

Deleting a Virtual Memory Storage File
To delete a file, select the file name then select Delete. A message box announcing the need for a fileload displays. The precise message displayed depends on whether mvBase has been started for the first time.
- To confirm, select OK. A File deleted successfully! message appears. Select OK.
Completing Your Configuration
Repeat steps 10-12 as required until all virtual memory storage files are configured. As you add, resize or delete virtual memory storage files, the Files tab displays your updated information.
Select OK in the Files tab to close the Configuring Server dialog box and return to the Server tab.
(Re)start the mvBase Server as required.