Why does RealPlayer display a "Low System Resources" or "Out of Memory" error when playing files?

When you use RealPlayer, you may receive errors that say "Low System Resources" or "Out of Memory. You may need to close some other applications to play this content." These errors occur when a computer does not meet or barely meets the minimum system requirements for running RealPlayer, and RealPlayer uses more memory than the computer can handle.

To avoid these errors, try making one or more of the following adjustments to your computer and to RealPlayer. 

Solution 1: Ensure that your system meets or exceeds the minimum requirements to use RealPlayer.

Check whether your system meets the system requirements for the version of RealPlayer you're using. (Click here for RealPlayer 16 system requirements, or click here if you have RealPlayer 18/RealTimes.) Your computer should meet or exceed the recommended system requirements for optimum audio and video performance.

Solution 2: Close background programs.

RealPlayer may not be able to access the sound card if another program is using it. Temporarily disabling these programs may allow RealPlayer to play sound. For instructions on temporarily disabling background programs on Windows, please see Close the programs running in the background in Windows.

Solution 3: Lower RealPlayer CPU usage.

Lowering CPU usage may stop the error messages, but it also lowers the sound and video quality of the clip you are trying to play. To lower the CPU usage of RealPlayer:

1. Open RealPlayer.
2. Click the RealPlayer logo in the upper left, then click Preferences. The Preferences box opens.
3. In the Category pane, select Hardware.
4. Under Playback Performance, move the slider to the left, towards Lowest CPU usage.
5. Click OK.

Solution 4: Free up hard drive space by emptying the contents of the TEMP folder.

Windows uses temporary folders to process information and compress files. Empty them to keep too many unneeded files from using space on the hard drive.

The Windows TEMP folder is used by programs to store the temporary files they use. If files have accumulated in the folder, this may contribute to the "Low System Resources" error. See Deleting temporary Windows files and folders for full instructions. Once these steps are complete, close any open windows and restart the computer. Try using RealPlayer again.

Solution 5: Run ScanDisk and Disk Defragmenter.

RealPlayer may experience problems if it cannot efficiently write to or read information from the hard drive. ScanDisk and Disk Defragmenter are two tools that Windows includes to optimize your hard drive's efficiency. You should run these tools on a regular basis. For instructions, see Run ScanDisk and Disk Defragmenter. For full information on ScanDisk and Disk Defragmenter, refer to your Windows documentation.

Solution 6: Update sound card and video card drivers.

Your computer uses driver software to send information to the sound or video cards. If the driver software is out-of-date or damaged, RealPlayer may experience problems.

Update your sound and video card drivers on a regular basis. Visit the Web site of your sound and video card manufacturers to verify that you are using the latest drivers. You can also contact your system vendor for help. If you have the latest drivers, try reinstalling them.