The paging file isn't the same thing as physical memory. First things first though. Change the option on that screen to 'system managed size' and see if you get the same probs. Actually, looking back over this thread, it appears you don't have a problem with physical memory at all as far as I can see.
OK, did a quick bit of digging around. Have a look at this link and see if you can follow the instructions through.... http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q315270
Way to go DOKTOR! If THAT doesn't solve the problem, it's time to buy a NEW MACHINE! The Doktor has spoken!
Doesn't work Doc. My PC is only about 2 years old. It shouldn't be like this. The problem is just that it won't let me set my paging file. It doesn't tell me that it won't let me. Anyone wanna do Remote Assistance over MSN with me to see what I mean?
Check this for me - open 'My Computer' and right-click on your 'C' drive and select 'Properties'. Choose the Security tab, highlight the 'System' account, and see if the 'Full Control' option is enabled.
Hmmmmm. You're rapidly running out of options. I have a couple of suspicions, but they both involve some fairly major surgery to the registry or windows system directory. How long have you had the problem for? Are you familiar with System Restore? It could be worth seeing if you have a restore point that pre-dates your problem and rolling back to that. Had you installed any software around the time you first noticed the problem?
System restore doesn't work. Now this all happened after my PC had a break down and I had to do some stuff off the system cd to get it up and running again. I think I did the system check which 1st time picked up an error and second time didn't. I can't remember what else I didn't really. It was very much a take a chance on whatever this command does coz i was desperate to get it running again without losing any files.
Go to 'My Computer', right click the 'C' drive and select 'Properties'. Click on the 'Tools' tab, and click on 'Check Now'. Tick the 'automatically fix errors' box and then run the disk checker. It's a long shot, but worth trying.
Now that's a baaaaaaaaaaaaaad sign. Your remaining options are to run a check disk from safe mode or the recovery console. I strongly suspect that an HD problem may be at the route of your troubles. Frankly, you may be looking at re-installing XP.