Correcting the "Out of Stack Pages" Error

When an error message is receiving indicating that the computer is out of  stack pages, the error recommends either deleting a recently added virtual device driver (VxD) or increasing the number of stack pages (MinSPs) in the System.ini file.  This viewlet illustrates the procedure for performing this change.

When the error is received, it will specify the number of stack pages currently assigned, in a statement in the form "there are currently nnn SPs allocated."  The number nnn is important for the change, as it is recommended that the user set the value of MinSPs to a number 2 greater than that given in the error message.

To make the change, first click Start, then Run.  Enter msconfig in the Open box and click OK.  The Configuration Manager will open.   On this screen, click the System.ini tab and the System.ini screen will open.

The change to be made will be made in the [386Enh] section of  System.ini.  The first step in the process is to see if there is already an entry setting the value of MinSPs in this section.  To examine the contents of the section, click the plus sign to the left of its name to expand it.  Scroll down to see if an entry already exists.  If the Windows installation is using its default value, there will not be an entry, and if the user is peforming this change for the first time, the default values are in place an an entry won't exist.

If there is no entry, a new line must be added.  To do this, click the "New" button at the bottom of the screen.  A new line will appear in the contents window.  Type the new value for MinSPs (setting it 2 numbers higher than the number reported in the error message) in the form "MinSPs=number".   Press <Enter> and the line will be stored. 

Click "Apply" and the new line wll be incorporated into the [386Enh] section of System.ini.  The correction is complete.

Click File, then Close.  A message will appear advising that the changes will not take effect until the computer is restarted, and asking that the user concurs with a restart.  OK the restart.

In the event the error recurs, repeat the procedure continuing to increase the value of MinSPs.