The error code 0x000005AF translates to ERROR_COMMITMENT_LIMIT. This error indicates that your program is trying to use more virtual memory than the system can currently commit.

Here’s a breakdown of the concepts involved and how to fix this error:

Understanding Virtual Memory and Commit Limit:

• Virtual Memory: In Windows, virtual memory acts as an extension of physical RAM (Random Access Memory). It combines physical RAM with a designated area on your hard disk called the page file.
• Commit Limit: The commit limit is a restriction on how much of the virtual memory space the system can guarantee to back with physical RAM or the page file. It essentially sets a ceiling on how much virtual memory can be actively used at any given time.

Causes of ERROR_COMMITMENT_LIMIT:

• Memory and Page File Pressure: The most common cause is when the combined usage of physical RAM and the page file reaches the commit limit. This can happen due to:
  • Running too many memory-intensive programs.
  • Insufficient physical RAM.
  • Limited page file size.
• Large Data Structures or Memory Leaks: If your program allocates a very large amount of memory for data structures or suffers from memory leaks, it might try to commit more virtual memory than allowed.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Monitor Resource Usage: Use tools like Task Manager or Performance Monitor to track memory usage (physical and virtual) and identify if your system is nearing the commit limit.

2. Reduce Memory Footprint: If possible, explore ways to reduce the memory footprint of your program. This might involve using more memory-efficient algorithms, reducing the size of data structures, or processing data in smaller chunks.

3. Optimize Code for Memory Management: Review your code for potential memory leaks or inefficient use of memory. Consider using memory profiling tools to identify areas for improvement.

4. Close Unnecessary Programs: Close any applications you’re not actively using to free up memory resources and reduce the overall pressure on the commit limit.

5. Increase Page File Size (if applicable): On some systems, you might be able to increase the size of the page file, providing more virtual memory space. However, this should be done cautiously as excessive page file usage can impact performance due to frequent disk access.

6. Upgrade Physical RAM (if possible): If you frequently encounter this error and your system allows it, consider adding more physical RAM. This increases the available memory for programs and reduces reliance on the page file, potentially raising the commit limit.

Additional Tips:

• Be mindful of memory usage patterns in your program and avoid creating situations where it constantly pushes against the commit limit.
• Keep your system updated with the latest Windows patches, which might include memory management improvements.

By following these steps and understanding the reasons behind the ERROR_COMMITMENT_LIMIT error, you can identify the memory bottleneck in your system or program. You can then optimize memory usage, adjust virtual memory settings (if applicable), or consider adding more physical RAM to ensure the system has enough resources to commit the required virtual memory for your programs to function effectively.