What is ReadyBoost?
Microsoft Windows Vista comes with a horde of new features. Among them is a unique new feature called ReadyBoost which does not exist in any other operating system. ReadyBoost is a disk caching technology which improves the system performance by using a flash based memory like SD/Compact flash card or a USB memory stick. The idea behind ReadyBoost technology is simple: Random read times on flash memory is faster than that on a hard drive. By storing frequently accessed programs or program data in the flash drive, Vista can access these data faster, thus providing better response times. When you plug in a USB memory stick into your Vista PC, Vista can use all or part of this stick as a cache to store the ReadyBoost data. If the memory stick can handle at least 3.5MB/second read time for 4kb blocks and 2.5 MB/second write time for 512kb blocks, it can be used for this purpose.
If you are planning to buy a memory stick for ReadyBoost, ensure that it supports at least this speed. Thankfully, many new USB memory sticks come with ‘ReadyBoost ready‘ logo. When you plug in a device which meets these basic requirements, Vista automatically launches a dialog box which allows you to use it for ReadyBoost. Also, nothing will happen if you pull out the USB stick while Vista is using it. Remember, it is only being used as a cache – if Vista can’t find your memory stick, it will happily fetch the data from the hard drive.
The ReadyBoost hack
Now what if your memory stick just falls short of the basic requirements for ReadyBoost? Well, Vista will naturally reject it. But then, there is a registry hack by which you can force any external drive to be used for ReadyBoost. But note: While you can use an external hard drive for this purpose, it will not give any performance boost for obvious reasons.
Plug-in your memory stick. Right click on the device on windows explorer and select properties. Select the ReadyBoost tab and check “Do not retest this device”. Now fire up the registry editor and navigate to HKLM -> Software -> Microsoft -> WindowsNT -> CurrentVersion -> EMDMgmt. All your devices which you attempted to use for ReadyBoost are listed here. Select the one you intended to use and change the following settings.
- DeviceStatus to 2
- ReadSpeedKBs to 1000 (hexadecimal)
- WriteSpeedKBs to 1000 (hexadecimal)
Plug-in the memory stick again. You will now be greeted with a screen giving you an option to use it for ReadyBoost. Select how much space you want to use for this feature – you are done! Enjoy your ReadyBoost now!
Caution: Editing registry is only recommended for experienced users. If you have never done this before, better get a ReadyBoost ready memory stick than messing up with your registry. You are warned.
Related: Know your Vista - 2: Windows Vista Sideshow
