PAE allows a 32bit x86 CPU to run on a system with more then 4GB of ram. Windows will prevent anything over 4GB to be accessed (other then some utilities like RAM disks).
But it can allow the computer to boot at least with the extra ram. Helpful when dual booting with a x86_64 OS.
You will need to have XP all ready installed and less then 4GB currently in the system before starting this procedure.
You will also need Linux Live cd or a existing install of Linux. Since Windows wont allow you to access the needed file (Its hidden).
Edit this file: C:\boot.ini , and at the end of the file this switch: /PAE
So the file should look like this:
;
;Warning: Boot.ini is used on Windows XP and earlier operating systems.
;Warning: Use BCDEDIT.exe to modify Windows Vista boot options.
;
[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /NOEXECUTE=OPTIN /FASTDETECT /PAE
save the file and power down the system.
You can now add more then 4GB of ram.
Source: https://webhostinggeeks.com/howto/how-to-enable-pae-in-x86-32-bit-windows-server-2003-and-2000-to-use-more-than-4gb-ram/
Date:July 25th 2024.