System rebooting problems

[Das_Roob]

Hi,
Having a problem with WindowsXP Professional constantly rebooting. Prior to the reboots, I will sometimes get spammed with the window 'XXX has caused an error and needs to be shutdown.' and then asks me whether or not I want to send in an error report. The programs causing the error will most often be Explorer, but sometimes a program or process that I've never even heard of. Shortly after recieving the error, the system will just reboot without any notification that it's doing so.

What I've done:
1. Updated to all Service Packs and Critical Updates - didn't work.
2. Complete format and re-install.
a. during the re-install, at one point I recieved the 'page fault in non page area' or something or other area. I've recieved those faults before and, through research and tech support, knew it to be bad memory. After getting this fault, I opened up my system, checked the memory, cleaned the contacts, and plugged it in a different slot. I noticed that some of the chips on the stick appeared to have some signs of overheating (ie: they were a darker, duller color), but no other signs of damage. I also checked tightness on all other connections. Re-Formated and installed with no problems, but, once Windows was back up and running, it shut down on me again.

I'm led to believe that this could be a hardware problem but don't know where to begin. After last night's final shutdown, I gave up in disgust. Since turning the system on this morning, I have yet to recieve any errors. This leads me to believe that it could be an overheating issue, but I'm not too sure yet.

My system:
Soyo P400 Platinum MB w/P4 2.4
512MB Elixer Memory Stick.
52X CD-Rom
HP DVD CD-R/RW
40GB WD Hard Drive
Fire-Wire Card
Various other minor crap (keyboard, mouse, etc.)

Any help would be appreciated. Like I said, Im pretty sure it might be an overheating problem, but I'm not sure where to begin. Any ideas?

[Play_The_0dds]

i have worked on several computers with the same trouble. all with xp, all had different hardware setups. the only thing i found on the net for computers rebooting was for msblaster, which this is not, or overheating, which they were not. i was not able to detect a virus on the drives with panda, norton, avg, rav, or mcafee. i have come to the conclusion it is a virus, or a windows update that has caused this. seems to stay on the drive even after a format. if you use a diagnostic disk and packet write the drive then set up and reinstall all is well.