TITLE
    Macintosh Memory Allocation: "Application Has Unexpectedly Quit"
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		7818
7/2/91
7/1/99
TOPIC

    I keep getting out of memory error messages when performing tasks in an application. I also get "Application has unexpectedly quit" error messages.

DISCUSSION

    This kind of error is usually caused by an application, INIT (Extension), or CDEV trying to grab more memory than it has been allocated.

    Here are some fixes, depending on what's causing the problem:

    * Allocate more memory to the application. Under System 6 Finder, applications could grab a lot more memory. Some manufacturers don't set the partition high enough to do certain operations in their programs. To increase the RAM allocation, change the "Application Memory Size" box in the Get Info dialog box for the application.

    * Replace the application with a new copy. It may be that the application is corrupted.

    * Allocate more memory to PrintMonitor. If you're seeing the error most often when printing, and you have background printing turned, try allocating more RAM to PrintMonitor first. Then increase RAM for the application.

    * Reduce the number of INITs (Extensions) and CDEVs running on the system. Remove all INITs (Extensions) that aren't a fundamental part of the system software or application. Some INITs use a large amount of memory.

    * Try reinstalling the system software. Damaged or corrupted system files can cause this error as well.

    * If running System 6, an alternate (unsupported) solution is to increase the amount of RAM allocated to the system heap using CE Software's HeapFixer.

    Note: Altering the system heap can cause other, more unpredictable errors. Also note that if running System 7, the system heap is adjusted dynamically, and HeapFixer isn't necessary.

    For more information, contact CE Software. (To locate a vendor's address and phone numbers, use the vendor name as a search string.)

    * This would also be a good time to check for viruses. They can contribute to unusual system behavior.

Document Information
Product Area: Mac OS System Software
Category: General OS
Sub Category: General Topics

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