a couple is situations with this computer

I have a couple of situations with this computer that started at the same time, so I'm guessing the same fix with take care of both.
I have XP sp 2.
The buttons along the bottom that show the programs, and the task bar have gotten a little bit bigger. Now the clock will show the time of day, and then under that will show the day of the week. I'd like it to quit showing the day of the week.
Also, my search companion has quit finding results.
I will search for a file that I know exists, it will show along the bottom that it is searching through files, but comes back with the "no results" response.
I've noticed that when I search my hard drive, maybe a fourth of the time, it will find what I am looking for, but if I'm looking on a network drive, it always comes back not finding anything, although I can find the file using windows explorer.
What have I done, or what has happened, to cause these problems?
Thanks so much for your help.

 

Well the toolbar I think I can help you with. Right click on it, and if there is a checkmark by Lock Toolbar click on it. You can then resize the toolbar. When you get it like you want it, you can lock the toolbar so it does not get changed accidently.

E

 

Thanks a ton, but I've already tried that.
It won't let me make it any smaller than it is now, but it still shows the time and day of the week.
I know this is a trivial problem compared to some of the other things I've read on here, but I hate it when the computer does something I can't figure out.
Thanks again for your help.