Problem uploading documents/graphics after installing updates

I am at my wit's end here! I've had to wipe and re-install my OS (Windows
XP/2003) and it works just fine until I get to the 3rd or 4th round of
installing the "critical updates" and then my computer all of the sudden
refuses to upload any documents or graphics to any email as an attachment and
it also will no longer upload any graphics to sites such as Imageshack or
Photobucket. I keep getting either in a continuous loop or the browser
terminates with a "Can not find the server" message - every single time.
Every time. Is there a fix that anyone knows about? I HAVE to have the
ability to attach documents/graphics to my email as part of my job. Yahoo
goes into the continuous loop and Gmail refuses to upload or to save as a
draft any message with an attatchment. Please HELP!!!!!!!