Win2k keeps putting pagefile on removable storage - can't boot

[Glenn - Audio&Media Europe nv]

I often have to attach different harddisks to the pc's at work, all running
win2k.
Usually this works just fine, but sometimes the pc won't boot windows - it
displays the login screen (we have Active Directory), lets me input the
password, and then gives the login screen again.

When disconnecting the freshly installed harddisk, the pc states "no page
file or page file too small. steps to increase/make page file: ......"
But how can I create / increase the page file, if I can't even boot into
windows....


And, how can I force windows to let the pagefile stay where it was in the
1st place. Why the heck does it switch anyway....

 

[Glenn - Audio&Media Europe nv]

Attached a HD with pagefile created on another w2k system to the system, now
it doesn't display the message any more - still the login problem though.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Glenn