My MSDE (SQL Server) is using all the RAM of my server; how may I prevent it?

By default MSDE (and SQL server) is configured to use all the memory available.

Microsoft claims it will release memory when needed by other processes, but unfotunately this not always appens.

To change the maximum amount of memory MSDE (or SQL) must use to, for instance, 512 MB (that will be ok),

you can from the osql command line use the following:

when you are logged in

1> use master
2> go
1> exec sp_configure ‘show advanced option’, ‘1’
2> go
1> RECONFIGURE
2> go
1> sp_configure ‘max server memory’, ‘512’
2> go
1> RECONFIGURE
2> go

Note:
To enter the administration mode, type the following commands:
osql -U <sa> -P <sa_password> -S <server_nameasm> (and press Enter key)