i formatted my PC and re-installed windows about a day ago cuz i felt it was about time (been almost 2 1/2 years since the last refreshing format) and now i have this wierd problem when windows starts up. after the welcome screen when windows starts up i can use everything normally except the taskbar. this is because when i bring my cursor over the it the cursor turns into the 'loading' one (the hourglass) and thus i cannot click anywhere. this happens on the entire taskbar (start button, quick launch, system tray). i have to wait for around 5-7 minutes or so before i can start using it normally. everything else works fine though. i can easily launch programs, browsers, My Computer etc from my desktop.

so does anyone know what's behind all this?

btw, i am using XP Pro with SP2.

thanks in advance

Try this tool from Kellys' Korner, see if it helps: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm