HP MediaSmart hardware upgrade

I recently installed a new hard drive: Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS, 1TB. Purchased from NewEgg. At the same time, I replaced the memory with a 2GB stick from Crucial, also ordered from NewEgg.

Very detailed instructions on how to replace the server's RAM can be found at homeserverhacks.com or Tom's hardware. Anyone who has ever replaced computer hardware before will have no problem performing this upgrade. Just make sure that you mark the system drive and place it back where it came from or you will be in trouble.

If you intend to upgrade more than one component, it may be wise to perform the upgrades in steps. This way, should something go wrong, you can more easily trace back your steps.

I installed the new memory first, made sure the server was error-free, and then installed the new drive.

The memory upgrade is immediately noticeable: the server will respond much snappier.

Adjust virtual memory

After the memory upgrade, log in to the server using RDP and adjust the virtual memory size.

Right-click on My Computer and select Properties. On the Advanced tab, click on the Settings button under Performance.

This will take you to the performance options. On the Advanced tab, under Virtual Memory, click the Change button.

At the bottom, a recommended size will be listed. Enter that amount for the Initial and Maximum sizes. Review your values and click OK to confirm. The change will take effect immediately.

You can now end the RDP session by logging off.

I entered 3022 for the initial
and the maximum size

A quick glance confirms the file has been adjusted:
3,022 * 1,024 = 3,094,528 kB
(thankfully, Microsoft still uses 1,024 for kilo)