What does lock pages in memory do as stated on the Setting SQL Server memory options in our PME installation manual?
Issue
The PME installation note advises consulting the site administrator about enabling the Windows “Lock pages in memory” right for the SQL Server service account. What does this setting do?
Product Line
Power Monitoring Expert 9.0
Power Monitoring Expert 2020
Power Monitoring Expert 2021
Power Monitoring Expert 2022
Power Monitoring Expert 2023
Power Monitoring Expert 2024
Environment
Microsoft Windows Server
Microsoft SQL Server (version used with PME)
Cause
The note does not explain the effect of the “Lock pages in memory” user right. Administrators need to understand its behavior to decide whether to enable it for SQL Server in a PME environment.
Resolution
- Understand what the setting does. “Lock pages in memory” allows a process to keep its data in physical RAM and prevents the operating system from paging that process’s memory to disk during memory pressure.
- Determine whether your SQL Server edition/version supports locked pages and whether your IT policy permits it.
- If enabling, grant the Windows “Lock pages in memory” user right to the SQL Server Database Engine service account (or the service SID) using Local Security Policy or Group Policy.
- Set an appropriate SQL Server maximum memory value to reserve RAM for the operating system and other services.
- Restart the SQL Server service to apply the change.
- Verify after restart by reviewing the SQL Server error log for confirmation that locked pages are in use.
Recommendation:
If you are using an older version of PME, consider upgrading to the latest version for improved protocol support and security. For assistance with integration or upgrades, contact Schneider Electric Technical Support at: pmo.support@se.com