Every time i click on a link in my outlook express email, i lose my internet connection. Why?

I get an error message from Windows XP, and the internet restarts, but i can't use the links at all. It drives me CRAZY!!! A friend suggested that i check my settings. I can't find anything in my settings that would make this happen. Of course i am pretty computer illiterate, so i am hoping someone will be able to tell me what is causing this and how to make it stop.