Page File Size Problem

I'm having trouble with my page file size in Windows XP Home Edition -- it just keeps increasing until I get the virtual memory too low error. It has climbed to almost 2G; can this be right? I have 512MB RAM and my hard drive is almost empty. I have gone through all of the tasks in "Do not post until you have read this" thread, although I could not perform them in safe mode because I have dial-up (ugh) that can't connect in safe mode. Spybot and Adaware produced several problems which I had them fix, nothing else was found with any of the other tools. I have not run Hijack This as of yet. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

There are some ideas in this thread:
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=43020

 

Thanks for the reply. I checked that thread and it doesn't really pertain to my problem I don't think, because the page file does clear every time I restart and the setting remains correct (default). It's just that it keeps increasing in size. I'm usually only running one or two programs in addition to my browser. I was initially suspicious of a virus or something, but haven't found anything yet.

 

Jasper:
Since you have already run (I assume you first updated the databases) AdAware and SpyBot, try this one:
AntiVir (free) http://majorgeeks.com/download955.html Download >Install >Run >Internet Update >Start >Yes >Yes >No >Run >Scan

It is slow as it is very thorough but as opposed to many you pay for, it actually works.

See also these articles:

Virtual Memory Primer
http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpvm.htm
Virtual Memory Optimization Guide http://www.rojakpot.com/default.aspx?location=3&var1=143&var2=0

Some programs like PhotoShop have their own way of using memory and do not hand back massive blocks of memory they claim for use to the system.
That used to be an issue with Photoshop if you use it. Maybe still is.
People with <1GB of physicall RAM frequently had to restart to replenish access to memory by all programs.


Hope something in the above helps.