Won't boot without cable modem reset?

I installed a new hard drive in my friend's computer and re-installed Windows
XP with SP2 and SP3 and all other applicable Microsoft downloads. The
computer will only boot Windows XP if the cable modem is turned off for a few
seconds and then turned back on before starting the computer? The ISP is
cable TV provider WOW.
My ISP provider is ATT (sbcglobal) and it works perfectly with my continuous
DSL connection. The cable provider has examined the setup and says it's
something with the computer not their connection. However, because it works
with my DSL connection I still suspect the problem lies with the cable
supplier? I need to add that my friend subscribes to WOW's internet
protection program (F-Secure) which provides anti-virus and firewall
protection plus some other features such as parental control, etc. Also,
Microsoft's firewall has been turned off. However, my ISP provides the same
type of security through Computer Associates, which is part of my
subscription, and my connection works!
Turning the cable modem off after shutting down the computer and then
turning it back on before starting the computer back up is kind of
inconvenient. Does anyone have any ideas about what's happening?
Thanks, in advance, for any advice provided.
Ray19

"Ray19" wrote in message

>I installed a new hard drive in my friend's computer and re-installed
>Windows
> XP with SP2 and SP3 and all other applicable Microsoft downloads. The
> computer will only boot Windows XP if the cable modem is turned off for a
> few
> seconds and then turned back on before starting the computer? The ISP is
> cable TV provider WOW.
> My ISP provider is ATT (sbcglobal) and it works perfectly with my
> continuous
> DSL connection. The cable provider has examined the setup and says it's
> something with the computer not their connection. However, because it
> works
> with my DSL connection I still suspect the problem lies with the cable
> supplier? I need to add that my friend subscribes to WOW's internet
> protection program (F-Secure) which provides anti-virus and firewall
> protection plus some other features such as parental control, etc. Also,
> Microsoft's firewall has been turned off. However, my ISP provides the
> same
> type of security through Computer Associates, which is part of my
> subscription, and my connection works!
> Turning the cable modem off after shutting down the computer and then
> turning it back on before starting the computer back up is kind of
> inconvenient. Does anyone have any ideas about what's happening?
> Thanks, in advance, for any advice provided.
> Ray19

Does the cable modem connect to the PC via ethernet or USB? Some systems
develop problems booting with USB devices attached.

You can also install a router, which is a very good idea, to sit between the
cable modem and the PC. By default, these are generally set up to work
with cable modems.

HTH
-pk