Selia

Q: recently getting message that application memory has run out when I am using the same applications as always before

iMac running OS 10.9.5, suddenly getting alerts that my application memory is running out/has run out; I am using the same applications that I've been using all along and never before got these alerts. I close all but one application but still have the message. This just started happening.

iMAC, Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Nov 30, 2015 6:11 PM

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Q: recently getting message that application memory has run out when I am using the same applications as always before

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  • by sterling r,Helpful

    sterling r sterling r Dec 2, 2015 7:42 AM in response to Selia
    Community Specialists
    Dec 2, 2015 7:42 AM in response to Selia

    HI there Selia,

     

    It sounds like you are getting this error message about running out of application memory no matter how few you are actually running. I would start by resetting your PRAM first:

     

    OS X El Capitan: Reset your computer’s PRAM

    https://support.apple.com/kb/PH21876?locale=en_US

    1. Choose Apple menu > Shut Down.

    2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Option, Command, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4. 

    3. Turn on your Mac.

    4. Immediately press and hold the Option-Command-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the black screen with the Apple logo appears. 

       

      Continue holding the keys down until your Mac restarts, and you hear the startup sound for the second time.

    5. Release the keys.

    After resetting your computer’s PRAM, you may need to update your speaker volume, display resolution, and startup disk preferences.

     

    Then test the issue for a bit. If it persists I would next boot to Safe Mode so the system can check for disk errors and clear some system level caches.

     

    OS X El Capitan: Start up in safe mode

    https://support.apple.com/kb/PH21875?locale=en_US

     

    Also you can use the Activity Monitor to see if there is a runaway process eating all your memory or putting too much pressure on it:

     

    Use Activity Monitor on your Mac

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201464

     

    Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

  • by Selia,

    Selia Selia Dec 2, 2015 7:44 AM in response to sterling r
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 2, 2015 7:44 AM in response to sterling r

    Hello and thanks for your response. I will try the steps you lave listed. Haven't thought about PRAM for a long time, but this may be it.