MySQL 4.0, max_allowed_packet and blob insert

[Kilian]

Hello all,

I'm running MySQL 4.0.24 on Debian Linux and have a problem with a very
large blob insert query - it always fails with "#2020: Got packet bigger
than 'max_allowed_packet'". I searched the docs and found some
references that this value can not be greater than 1 GB with MySQL 4.x -
indeed, when I change it to some value greater than 1 GB, it has no
effect, the value just stays at 1 GB (1073740800 Bytes).

The query is from an application (mnoGoSearch), so I can't just go and
split the query into smaller ones.

The tables in question are all in MyISAM format.

What can I do about this? I have no clue about how to solve this
problem, any hint is appreciated!

Regards,
kil