Fisher Price mode reoccurs sometimes...how to keep classic ?

[Steve]

Hi, I have rebuilt my PC and lost count of the number of times I have
altered APPEARANCE to windows classic yet to see it go back to the blue
taskbar etc etc after a reboot following an install. I had hoped that after
the installs were done, it would honour my choice of classic, putting this
insistence of going back over to the default winXP appearance down to
settings assumed in programmers progs.
All instals done now, but sometimes after a normal bootup it reverts to
Fisher Price mode still, so named after its similarity to the childrens toy
maker and their graphics etc.
Just how do I get it to stick to Classic mode ?
I need the classic bars and neutral grey colours for my Photoshop and
graphics work as is best for such colour interpretation to lessen
distraction etc.
Never had this prior to the rebuild.
Steve

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

Event logs?
Is Windows fully patched to the gills via Microsoft Update?