I'm running Windows XP Pro, Service Pack 3 on a Dell Vostro 1520 laptop. This is a brand new reinstall. I have noticed that if I leave my computer running for extended periods of time, my page file size sky rockets. (As reported by the Windows Task Manager.)After about 7 hours continuous running, plugged in, with minimal usage (idle and minimal text-only web browsing), the page file size hits about 7 GB and the running processes start crashing. There is nothing left to do but shut down the computer, which takes forever inandof itself for the same reason. Sometimes the computer will even go into hibernate mode because it's taking too long to log off. Generally once the 7 GB page file size is hit, it takes in excess of 20 to 25 minutes to log off, shut down, and restart the computer.Right now, the computer has been running for 1/2 hour and the page file size is already 967 MB. This is understandably a very annoying problem, especially when programs begin shutting down with little to no warning. "Don't run your computer for that long" is not an option. I tried a clean reinstall of Windows XP, and only installed Firefox and the latest drivers for my wireless adapter (Dell wireless 1397W-LAN mini card), but the problems remain.Any help would be greatly appreciated.~GRH1 person needs an answerI do too

Hi, I would suggest you to set the page file manually on the system (i.e. custom) instead of automatic and check whether the issue is resolved. Follow the steps mentioned below.a. Log on to the computer as Administrator.b. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.c. Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.d. Click the Advanced tab, and then under Performance, click Settings.e. Click the Advanced tab, and then under Virtual memory, click Change.f. In the Drive [Volume Label] list, click a drive other than the one on which Windows is installed (Windows is usually installed on the drive C). Under Total paging file size for all drives, note the value that is displayed next to Recommended.g. Uncheck the box ‘Automatically manage paging file size for all drives’.h. ClickCustom size, and then type the recommended value in theInitial size (MB) box (type: 2046).i. Type the maximum size that you want to allow for paging in theMaximum size (MB) box (type: 4096), and then clickSet. Now check whether the issue persists. Refer the article given below.How to move the paging file in Windows XPhttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/307886 Apart from that, I would suggest you to refer the link mentioned below.How to set performance options in Windows XPhttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/308417 Thank you and Regards. Thahaseena MMicrosoft Answers Support Engineer.Visit ourMicrosoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.