windows task bar issue -slow computer

Hi,
Recently I reformatted my Dell 8250; I'm running Windows XP.
I reformatted because the computer started running really slow. I figured it was a malware issue, and after trying to scan and clean the operating system I decided to reformat.

After reformatting and reinstalling, I began doing all the updates and adding software (the software has been the same software I've used for years (with no problems); but to my disappointment the computer started running really slow again.
The Task Bar.
Also, I set the task bar to "classic", but after restarting it will return to "xp".

I'm assuming this is a symptom of a larger problem????

please help ...if this keeps up I will be out of beer :cry

thanks

 

The bigger problem is called "Microsoft Tuesday". One of the patches got a mind of its own and caused problems. More at http://blogs.technet.com/wsus/archive/2007/04/28/update-on.aspx