ReadyBoost
ReadyBoost is a tool that can help speed up the computer by using a removable storage device, such as a USB flash drive. The flash memory device acts as additional memory that the computer can access more quickly than from many types of hard drives over SATA.
Only one flash memory drive can be used at a time for this purpose. Many flash drives can be used, but not all. Read the following section for prerequisites.
Requirements
For ReadyBoost to work, the computer must have a USB 2.0 port. The USB device must be in the memory range of 256 MB to 4 GB. In addition, the USB device has to have minimum 2.5 MB of throughput for 4K random reads, and 1.75 MB throughput for 512 K random writes. This should be clearly labeled on the packaging. If the packaging is no longer available, it does not harm the computer to try this procedure with any USB memory device. An error message advises if the memory stick cannot be used.
It is a good idea to delete all files from the memory stick before using it with ReadyBoost.
Using ReadyBoost
- Turn on the computer.
- Insert the USB device into the USB port.A small message box opens in the upper right corner of the display. Windows runs a quick test to make sure the device is ReadyBoost compatible.
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3. Tap or click the message box to open the Choose what to do with removable drives. window for the USB device (see the NOTE just below if it does not).
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NOTE: If the window does not open automatically, open the Desktop, and then click the Libraries folder. Select the USB device in the menu, and right-click. Click Properties and go to the ReadyBoost tab.
4. Click Speed up my system to open the ReadyBoost tab window.
5. Click Use this device on the ReadyBoost tab.Enable or disable Windows ReadyBoost for a specific flash drive. If the USB memory device has been used by ReadyBoost, and is now to be used for file storage, go to the ReadyBoost window and choose Do not use this device . It can now be used for file storage and transfer again.
6. Use the slider to assign how much space to assign to ReadyBoost.If you do not assign 100% space, the remaining space can still be used for file storage (though not while it is being used by ReadyBoost for performance enhancement).
7. Click OK . Wait a few seconds while the USB device is configured.ReadyBoost is now enabled to use the USB device for more efficient computer processing.
Troubleshooting
Select one of the following sections for troubleshooting information:
Turning off ReadyBoost
Select Do not use this device option from the ReadyBoost tab
ReadyBoost takes up space on the memory card and you may find that you want to reclaim that space. To reclaim the space, disable ReadyBoost as follows:
- Insert the memory card or other storage device in the computer if it is not already inserted.
- Open the Desktop , and then click the Libraries icon in the Taskbar.
- Right-click the external storage icon and select Properties .
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4. Click the ReadyBoost tab.
5. Select Do not use this device .
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6. Click OK.
ERRORS OCCUR
Verify requirements, disconnect the USB device using the Safely Remove
Hardware feature on the taskbar, then re-insert it and try again
Try the following tasks until the errors go away:
- Read the Requirements section at the beginning of this document. Make sure the USB device is capable of using ReadyBoost.
- Copy a few small files to the drive first and then test.
- If the testing dialog appears, click the option that says do not test the device every time it is inserted. Then disconnect the device, wait about 5 seconds, and then try again.
- Disconnect the USB drive from the computer (using the Safely Remove Hardware feature on the taskbar), and then insert it again. Try this a few times.
- Move all files off of the USB storage device including hidden files. Insert the USB device again.
Second USB device not ReadyBoost-capable
Use only one USB device
Windows can only use ReadyBoost with one USB device at a time, even if many USB devices are connected to the computer.
Device does not improve performance
Performance may vary
Performance may vary. USB storage devices contain both slow and fast flash memory, but for the purposes of ReadyBoost, the most important quality is consistency. In addition, the recommended amount of memory to use for ReadyBoost acceleration is 1:3 times the amount of RAM in the computer. For instance, if the computer has 512 MB of RAM and the memory drive has 256 MB of memory, performance enhancement is negligible.