Windows Installer and taskbar freeze

I've got a couple of problems with my laptop.I've got windows XP Pro on it but when I start it up the taskbar freezes for a good 5 minutes.This makes me unable to use it until its fixed.It doesn't do it in safe mode though

Also,I try to install windows updates from the website but its unable to! I've tried installing another program from the net aswell but it came up with an Ms Installer error saying itmaybe damaged.However,if i have a program on disk, I can install that


My laptop specs are:
AMD 64 3200+
2x 256mb DDR 2700
ATI Mobility Radeon Xpress 200
60GB HDD

I was thinking that the reason the taskbar is freezing when starting up is due to too many services running at startup?maybe increasing the RAM will help?

 

To see what is running at Start Up click Start>Run>msconfig

Use the Quicklinks to install and run Spybot and AdAware

Windows Updates requires BITS, Auto Update & Error reporting service to be on. You must use IE, not an alternative browser.

After you are sure you have any malware removed from the system, use your xp disk to run a System File Check.

Start>Run>cmd
sfc /scannow
insert cd when prompted.

Johanna