Unload Cached Files?
Windows Explorer, on Windows XP, catches Dynamic Link Libraries, or DLLs, in the memory for a certain amount of time after the program has been closed. And it depends on what programs you use, but this can become a waste of memory. To fix this, it takes some registry editing in Microsoft Windows XP. Registry editing can be harmful if you delete or modify the wrong things.
So, you want to stop this from happening? Open the registry editor by going to Start -> Run -> type in regedit. Now find: “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer”. Now create a new key in the ‘Explorer’ folder. Call this key “AlwaysUnloadDLL” and set the value to ‘1’. This will disable Windows from caching the DLL by using your memory, or Ram. Now just reboot Windows XP so the changes can take effect.
BAD IDEA
It is true, Windows does not immediately unload unneeded DLL’s. And yes, this can be a waste of memory. But when a DLL is unloaded the memory is free, doing absolutely nothing. Is this not the ultimate in wasted memory?
Windows is quite capable of reclaiming the space used by unneeded DLL’s when needed. Until that time comes, leave them in memory. Many applications use the same DLL’s.
Windows designers know more about memory management then you do. Windows performs best without amateurish tinkering like this.
This setting was intended as an aid to software developers, never as a means of improving performance.
Larry Miller
Microsoft MCSA, Network+, A+, Amateur programmer