There are too many measures of "size" to go into (as in what it is that is making your file that large), so you should google "access database maximum size".
You will find any number of useful articles listing the absolute max specifications for databases, tables, queries, forms, reports etc.
You also don't mention what release of Access you are using - big differences between older and newer releases.
I would not use Access for large databases. That's what SQL server (or SQL server express), MySQL etc. are for!
You can still use Access as the front end, by using ODBC to a "proper" database back end.
I forgot to add that you could well be having problems with the amount of physical RAM in your system. For a file that size (I'm assuming XP), you would need at least 1 GB RAM, preferably 1.5 or even 2 to avoid excessive paging.
SD