How To: Increase performance to make ArcMap start and run faster

Summary

ArcMap takes a long time to start and has poor performance.

Procedure

There are several system settings, hardware upgrades, and maintenance routines that need to be performed to increase the performance of ArcMap:

1. Change the virtual memory setting to have a maximum size of 4095MB for Windows 2000 and 4096MB for Windows XP.
   
   For instructions on how to change these settings, please view the article, How To: Change the operating system's virtual memory settings.
2. Change the TMP and TEMP user variables to both have a variable value of C:\TEMP. How To: Edit an environment variable
3. Defragment all local hard drives. While the Windows operating system includes a defragmentation tool, it does not not always work properly, so Esri recommends using a third-party defragmentation software. Many applications are available for purchase.
4. Eliminate as many background programs that are running as possible. Run an anti-spyware application to eliminate any spyware software as spyware degrades the computer's performance.
5. Increase the amount of RAM in the computer to recommended minimum amount or higher, upgrade the video card in the computer, and make sure there is at least 10 GB of remaining free space on the local hard drive. See the link in the Related Information section for Esri System Requirements.

Related Information

• How To: Improve performance working in ArcMap and ArcCatalog
• Optimizing map content for performance
• Tips on improving map display performance
• ArcMap and/or ArcCatalog takes a long time to open
• Esri System Requirements
• Change the operating system's virtual memory settings
• Esri Knowledge Base: Edit an environment variable