[R] Easy method to set user-mode virtual memory space in Windows Vista and 7

[Kingsford Jones]

I thought I'd share this with the list since it appears to provide a
quick fix to some memory problems, and I haven't see it discussed in
relation to R.

To reallocate virtual memory from kernel-mode to user-mode in 32-bit
Vista or Windows 7 one can use the increaseuserva boot option value.
See
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa906211.aspx

On my 4GB Vista machine, R is now able to use 3GB memory (previously
at the default value of 2GB).

Here's the method:

Open cmd.exe as administrator and type

BCDEdit /set IncreaseUserVA <value>

where <value> is between 2048 and 3072 (ie 2-3GB), then reboot.  Given
that you've set the --max-mem-size flag, or used the memory.limit
function in an R session to increase R's memory allocation, your R
processes should now be allowed to access up to 3GB of virtual memory.

I am not a Windows expert, so if anyone knows of disadvantages of
using this method *please* post a response.

best,

Kingsford Jones