Linux-x86_64 error: 12 cannot allocate memory

The error "linux-x86_64 error 12 cannot allocate memory" indicates that a process or program running on a Linux system was unable to allocate memory from the operating system. This error typically occurs when the system has insufficient memory resources available.

There are a few possible reasons for this error

  • Insufficient physical memory: If your system does not have enough physical memory (RAM) available, it can result in the error. Running memory-intensive applications or having too many programs open simultaneously can consume all available memory.
  • Insufficient virtual memory: Virtual memory refers to the combination of physical memory (RAM) and disk space used as a temporary storage area when RAM is full. If the virtual memory is exhausted or improperly configured, it can lead to the error.

To fix the "cannot allocate memory" error, you can try the following solutions

  • Free up memory: Close unnecessary programs and processes to free up memory resources. You can use the 'top' or 'htop' command to identify memory-hungry processes and terminate them if possible.
  • Increase swap space: Swap space serves as an extension of physical memory. You can increase the swap space to provide additional memory when needed. Check the existing swap space using the 'swapon -s' command, and if necessary, create a new swap file or increase the size of the existing swap partition.
  • Adjust ulimit settings: The error can occur if the maximum memory limit (ulimit) set for the user or process is too low. Use the 'ulimit -a' command to check the ulimit settings. If required, increase the memory limit temporarily with 'ulimit -m unlimited' or permanently by modifying the relevant configuration files.
  • Check system-wide memory limits: There might be system-wide limits on memory allocation. Review the configuration file '/etc/security/limits.conf' to ensure that the limits are appropriately set for memory allocation.
  • Analyze memory usage: Use tools like 'free', 'top', or 'htop' to monitor and analyze memory usage on your system. They can help identify processes or applications consuming excessive memory.
  • Restart the system: A system restart can release any locked memory resources and help resolve temporary memory allocation issues.
  • Review application memory usage: If the error is specific to a particular application, it might be consuming excessive memory or have a memory leak. Check for any available updates or patches for the application, or consider optimizing the application's memory usage.

It's important to note that the exact solution may vary based on the specific circumstances and underlying cause of the error. If the problem persists or you need further assistance, providing more details about the context and specific steps leading to the error would be helpful in providing more targeted guidance.

Other articles from this category