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Cisco ASR 9000 Series Aggregation Services Router Getting Started Guide
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Chapter 6 Troubleshooting the Cisco IOS XR Software
Memory Warnings in Configuration Sessions
The following sections describe the commands used to display memory usage in a router and what to do
if a low-memory warning appears:
• Understanding Low-Memory Warnings in Configuration Sessions, page 6-8
• Viewing System Memory Information, page 6-9
• Removing Configurations to Resolve Low-Memory Warnings, page 6-10
• Contacting TAC for Additional Assistance, page 6-11
Understanding Low-Memory Warnings in Configuration Sessions
The Cisco IOS XR software monitors memory usage in the Cisco CRS-1 router. If system memory
becomes low, an error message appears when you attempt to enter configuration mode.
An “out-of-memory” error message appears during one of the following situations:
• When a user attempts to enter configuration mode.
• During a configuration session when the memory shortage occurs.
• When a user attempts to load a target configuration from a large file that results in a memory
shortage.
• During a commit operation that results in the low-memory warning message. The commit operation
is denied and only lr-root users can perform commit operations to remove configurations.
Caution Never ignore a low-memory warning. These warnings indicate a memory state that could affect system
operations if not addressed.

“WARNING! MEMORY IS IN MINOR STATE”

If the system memory begins to run low, the following minor memory warning appears when you enter
a new configuration mode.
WARNING! MEMORY IS IN MINOR STATE
Although users are allowed to enter configuration mode, they should immediately reduce memory usage
using the tools described in the “Removing Configurations to Resolve Low-Memory Warnings” section
on page 6-10.
Failure to take action can result in a worsening situation and eventual impact to router operations.

“ERROR! MEMORY IS IN SEVERE (or CRITICAL) STATE”

When the memory is in a severe or critical state, router operation and performance is likely to be
affected. Regular users are not allowed to enter configuration mode. Only lr-root owners can enter
configuration mode to free memory by removing configurations.
In some situations, the commit command is not allowed. Users with lr-root access can still use the
commit force command to apply configurations that reduce memory usage. Reducing memory usage
normally means removing configurations, but a user can also add configurations that reduce memory
usage. For example, configuring the shutdown command on an interface could cause numerous routes
to be purged from the Routing Information Base (RIB), and Forwarding Information Base (FIB)
configurations.