Some web research indicates this may be a Windows / Java heap allocation issue involving fragmented address spaces due to dll rebasing (placement) in the address space. I am attempting now to see if the Windows XP "/3GB" switch will resolve the issue (as claimed is possible from the sources); it does not. This means there COULD still be a rebasing issue preventing the creation of the desired contiguous JAVA heap allocation. Assuming any of this is accurate has anyone else encountered this issue and can they suggest a resolution?