Disappearing Network Connection - Connections Tray - Not Responding

Sigh... I'm back with a question. A few months back, I had a problem with my Network (Ethernet) connection disappearing. The icon  showing the connection would disappear, and things would stop responding on my computer. Thinking it might be a bad Ethernet (it was the on board BCM), I went wireless (had the router for other computers anyway).

 

I used a Linksys WUSB54G (same as on other two machines in house) for several months without a problem. Now, the same problem is back, even with the Ethernet disconnected. The Network Connections notification disappears, and all kinds of things Stop Responding. I am not able to shut down.

 

The common thing that Stops Responding is the Connections Tray. I always get the message that Connections Tray - Not Responding.

 

I have WinXP SP2, a WRT54G router, and connect using the mentioned WUSB54G (which I know is not bad, because I swapped it out with one of the other computers - the problem stay on the computer, it does not follow the network adapter...

 

I fear a reinstall of WinXP is due. I have not done a complete reinstall ever, and it's getting on 2.5 years old.... But, first, is there some magic cure????