foxhal Loc: Boynton Beach FL

I have recently upgraded from a D200 to a D800. I do most of my PP with Capture NX2 (I also have PSE11). My computer has been crashing with the D800 NEF files.Any recommendations on what I need to handle the handle the 45 mb files?

I'm currently using an Intel Duo Core 2200 Ghz chip with 4 GB of SDRAM.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I use an Quad Core (pretty old one),2.3 Ghz, 8GB of ram and I routiniously work with 190/200 MB files and I have never encountered any problems.

Searcher Loc: Kent, England

I suggest you shut down the computer and reboot, open only Capture NX2 and try loading the files at that point - before opening any other software.

I suspect that 4GB, which should be sufficient, is being used up by other software running.

In PSE, have you set up the scratch disc? You could also reduce the number of history states which will probably help.

Peekayoh Loc: UK

The size of the file should be irrelevant except that it will slow things down. The crashing is more likely to be down to a software glitch.

I would try reinstalling the O/S (you may have a recovery disk) and see if you can get it more stable. After that I would definitely get more RAM to cut down on swap file use and speed things up. To be honest though, your computer is getting a bit long in the tooth.

ggttc Loc: TN

[quote=Searcher]I suggest you shut down the computer and reboot, open only Capture NX2 and try loading the files at that point - before opening any other software.

I suspect that 4GB, which should be sufficient, is being used up by other software running. quote]

I routinely work on large files with 4GB of ram with no problem.

Check what programs you are running at startup...you be surprised what your machine is running every time you boot up.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

What operating system? Up through Vista, and probably including 7 here's a suggestion: Go to "Start", then "Run". Type in msconfig. Just those 8 letters, all lowercase. Hit OK and on the screen that pops up go to the Startup tab. This will show you all the programs and services that start when you turn on your computer. Most can be shut down because they are just sitting there using up resources and slowing your computer. Shut down any programs you are sure you don't need, like Office or Media Player. Some programs are needed, such as your virus program, mouse control, etc. Anything you shut down will still operate normally when you start it from your programs menu or desktop icon. They just won't be running in the background when you don't need them. You'll probably see 15 or 20 active in the startup tab. I have mine down to 5 or 6. You'll see a warning screen when you do a restart. Just check the "Don't show this again" box and ignore it.
I hope this helps.
One more thing: If you are running a Norton virus program try shutting it down and see how your computer runs. Norton is a notorius resource hog. There are far more computer friendly virus programs available.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I would double the ram and download the files to a large 1-2 TD external drive

jpanar Loc: Reston, VA

You might want to check your graphics processor, too. If it "borrows" RAM (non-dedicated type), you are losing that 4GB to something much smaller. Increasing ram will help but only if you are able to make use of it with Windows 64 OS. (I assume you have a PC). A dedicated graphics processor is a much better way to go with large files and video. The point about WHEN you are opening the files vs. also having other software running is an important consideration. Exactly when does your system crash? Is it a blue screen (Windows) or gray (graphics processor, usually)? Check out this guide which shows you can get a high permance graphics processor at a reasonable price:
http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

When I buy a new computer (Windows), I aim for the top processor with the second fastest speed. My last two were Core i7. I don't know the speed, but they weren't the fastest. The fastest processors aren't usually that much faster, but they are quite a bit more money. I also like to get 16GB of memory, or more if the price is right.

amadjuster Loc: Amarillo, TX

Norton IS a virus.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I like Avira. It does well in comparisons.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Another consideration is having a second drive just for data. I have Windows and programs on my C drive and everything else on D.

Searcher Loc: Kent, England

Haven't heard it put that way before but I certainly agree.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

I'll have to check it out. I currently have 4 virus programs on my computer. I only run one at a time but I do virus removal for various people. Always looking to see what else works well.

The Watcher

Do you have a software that keep your computer tuned up?

I work with large files all the time and rarely have a problem.

I have System Mechanic Pro monitoring my three computers and keeping them tuned up.

Here's where you can download a free trial version and see if it helps.

http://www.iolo.com/downloads/download-system-mechanic-pro/

Here's where you can buy it at a discount price. If you scroll down you'll see the pro version on sale.

http://www.iolo.com/landing/adwords/system-mechanic-special-offer/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=system-mechanic-brand-us-search&utm_term=system%20mechanics&utm_content=system-mechanic-brand-us-search-brand-name-mar13&gclid=CKu4_KbJ1rwCFVBk7Aod0xIATQ

Both of these links are from the people that designed the software, so you shouldn't find unwanted things with the download.