Computer Freezes

Hi Guys,
I am rather new at this forum and I am experiencing nearly the same "freeze effect" other guys in the forum had.
I am using a DELL laptop (lattitude 110L Intel Dothan 1.6 GHz; 512RAM;40GB HD).
The freezing happened while booting up and further when trying to run anything.
I saw an article from Microsoft that said to do the following steps:
1) Remove unneccessary files/application
2) Run Antivirus
3) Defragment the HD
4) Run a Registry Mechanics

Nothing helped!!
The computer is only useful under SAFE MODE(with Networking), then it works just with the speed I was used to.

I downloaded the MEMtest, a forumer advised, but don't know how to play the *.iso file

Should I format the HD anyway?
Regards
Y4G

 

I realize you are new and don't mean to do this, but you need to start a new post so as not to detract from the user here and his problems...I'll ask a Mod to set you up on your own and welcome to TSG.