Hi Cyberdao, welcome to the community.
Hope you enjoy your stay.
And feel free to ask as many questions as you need to. But also... don't be afraid to oofer others your words of advice or wisdom, even if YOU think it isn't good enough. Sometimes, every little bit helps.
I tried naming a new file using 32 characters, and i had no problems. I also saved a file using 60 characters, with no hiccups at all. I'm using WinXP too. I have the Pro addition. Are you using the "Home" addition perhaps? Just a stab in the dark there; don't think it should matter.
I see no reasons though at all for the name limitation. It's an OS thing, so it shouldn't have anything at all to do with any app you have. They'll all bow to the OS's commands.
I'd like to suggest you have a hunt on the Adobe Knowledge Base or ask around their PS Forum also Cyberdao. Hopefully their tech guys will tend to your question and provide an adequate solution. I'd check their knowledge base first though for any kind of info on this problem.