Windows sets aside a number of extra memory pages (spare stack pages) to be used temporarily to prevent a system "crash" due to a stack overflow condition. Sometimes all the spare pages can be used, and an error message is shown, this tweak allows you to increase the number available.
If you receive the following error message, it means Windows has detected that it has run out of spare stack pages. Windows should continue to operate normally unless a device driver encounters a stack overflow condition when there are no free spare stack pages.
Error : There are no spare stack pages. It may be necessary to increase the setting named 'MinSPs' in System.ini to prevent possible stack faults. There are currently [xxx] SPs allocated.
To increase the number of available spare pages follow these instructions:
Open the file SYSTEM.INI located in your Windows directory (usually C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM.INI) using a text editor (e.g. Notepad).
Add the following line to the [386Enh] section of the file and then restart your computer:
MinSPs=4
If the problem persists, increase the number of spare stack pages in increments of 4 (for example: 8, 12, 16). Each spare stack page requires 4 kilobytes of memory.
| Registry Settings |
| Value Name : MinSPs |
Disclaimer : Modifying the registry can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. We cannot guarantee that problems resulting from modifications to the registry can be solved. Use the information provided at your own risk.