Simple question re: memory in 32-bit vs. 64-bit

I think this is a very simple question, but I need some expert opinions on it. I have a 32-bit OS at my office, which runs Windows XP. Had trouble saving large (100+ MB) Photoshop files due to insufficient RAM. The IT dept. installed more memory, but the problem persists. I am told by the IT dude, "I don't know why it's not working because I put 8GB of memory in it." Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't a 32-bit OS capable of reading only up to 4GB of RAM? Isn't the solution to my problem to upgrade to a 64-bit OS that has about 6GB of RAM? I understand that no matter how much memory you install -- or how much fairy dust you sprinkle over it -- a 32-bit OS still won't be able to access any more than 4GB of memory. Of course, I could be wrong. Any advice???

There are 32 bit server Windows versions that will address more than 4GB of RAM.

I believe that none of them are called Windows XP.

There's a 64 bit version of XP available, if your IT department insists that you run XP. (It was never made available at retail.)

Nothing is ever saved in memory, when you shut off your pc it`s gone. There should be no reason why you can`t save your files on the hard drive as long as you have the room for it. Is there anything in the program itself that prevents you from saving large files ? Do you get any kind of message ?

trudord,

You are right, a 32-bit OS is only capable of up to 4GB, so I recommend you get a 64-bit system to utilise the other 4GB

I had somewhat the same problem but with 8 to 10 GB video files on my XP drive. Corrected by opening up a restricted pagefile setting. Don't see this helping on Mb files but anyhow FWIW.
Art.