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)
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
Choose Apple menu > Shut Down.
Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Option, Command, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
Turn on your Mac.
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.
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.
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
Choose Apple menu > Shut Down.
Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Option, Command, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
Turn on your Mac.
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.
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.
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.
recently getting message that application memory has run out when I am using the same applications as always before
