windows xp home edition

changing to xp pro will not help. the problem imho is malware aka ad-ware. download and install the free ad-aware se from www.lavasoftusa.com and run it every single time before you go on internet.
you might consider purchasing the paid version of ad-aware and using the ad-block feature to help keep you going

You've probably been infected with the sasser or similar worm. Go to Microsoft site where you'll find a method on how to remove it. Get a up-to-date Antivirus software. I suggest avast! Antivirus from www.alwil.com, it is free. You are just required to register yearly.

This is definatly the sasser worm. The reason formatting the drive is working for a little while is because you are becoming re-infected.

The sasser worm is constantly searching for open udp ports on any computer connected to the internet. Once it gains access, it downloads the virus onto your computer. Once installed it shuts down your pc whenever you connect to the internet. My own computer was infected 30secs after connecting to the internet for the first time!!!

The best way to prevent infection is to download the latest microsoft updates which prevents the infection. visit http://www.sophos.com/ for full instruction and removal methods.

Hope this helps

James

Whenever you remove malware or viruses, unless you turn off "System Restore" temporarily and, reboot and then turn it back off you may be infecting yourself.
You also need to be using a Firewall. I recommend Zonealarm v 4.54. You can get a trial copy at:
http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/1043_zl/zapSetup_45_594_000.exe
UYou also need a virus Scanner that updates itself. You can get a free one at:
http://www.free-av.com/
or:
AVG v 7.0 at:
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_updt7.php
Then go to Steve Gibson's website and do a "Shields UP" test for open ports. He is loacated at www.grc.com

It is a dirty Internet and you must have all the protection you can find.
good Luck,
Peter

This person seems to have the same problem:

http://www.blackviper.com/AskBV/tech10.htm

The solution seems to be:

1. Firewall - Block inbound (from the internet) and outbound (from your computer) TCP and UDP ports 135, 137, 138, 139, 445 and 593

2. You can stop a computer from automatically rebooting during the 60 second countdown by doing the following: Start -> Run -> type shutdown -a in the popup window -> Select the Ok button to issue the command. P.S. this SHOULD NOT be done to fix the reboot issue, only to ensure that you have the proper amount of time to correct the problems.

3. Make sure you are up to date with all the MS Security updates.

4. Run an up-to-date AntiVirus checker ... to ensure that you have not been infected during this time the machine was left open.

Sasser and Blaster worms will instantly infect ANY unprotected PCs connected to the internet.

You must:
a) Turn on Firewall on your Internet connection
b) Download and install Sasser and Blaster patches BEFORE connecting to the internet!
c) Install AV software BEFORE connecting to internet.

I HAVE TRIED ALL THE ADWARE/MALWARE AND STILL THE PROBLEM EXITS. ANYTIME I QUERRY MY MODEM THE SCREEN GOES BLACK AND THE SYSTEM REBOOTS IS IT THAT MY MODEM IS DEFECTIVE.