How to detect a memory leak in Microsoft Windows

The term memory leak refers to the gradual loss of available computer memory when a bug causes a program (an application or part of Windows) to repeatedly fail to return the memory it has obtained for temporary

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use. As a result, the available memory for that application or that part of Windows becomes exhausted and the program can no longer function.

Applications with memory leaks or applications that consume excessive amounts of processor time can not only kill server performance, but can also render that server unstable.

In this technical guide, contributor Brien M. Posey provides you with the know how to determine if there is a memory leak in your Windows system.

How to detect a memory leak in Microsoft Windows
-  Introduction
-  Memory leaks: Finding a memory leak in Microsoft Windows
-  Finding memory leaks using Performance Monitor
-  Memory leaks: Determine an applications CPU consumption

About the author:
Brien M. Posey, MCSE, is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional for his work with Windows 2000 Server, Exchange Server and IIS. He has served as CIO for a nationwide chain of hospitals and was once in charge of IT security for Fort Knox. He writes regularly for SearchWinComputing.com and other TechTarget sites.

This was first published in March 2007

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