Laptop works in Safe mode, freezes in 'normal'

if it works in safe mode but not in normal, then it's a software issue, most
likely a driver of some kind.

In the safe mode, none of the background software is loaded and a number of hardware drivers are not
loaded.
Start with the background software. Go to START - RUN and type in
msconfig.
On the resulting dialog windows check the "Diagnostic Startup" and then reboot.
If it works okay, they start adding Services, one or two at a time, until either you find the
faulting service or it starts with all of them loaded. The start with the background software,
adding one or two at a time until you find the bad software.
This is a time consuming task, but it can identify the problem.
You may also have to do this with hardware drivers.

A Toshiba Satellite M35X-329S Centrino 1.6GHz laptop (512MB-RAM) running
Windows XP Home Service Pack 2, freezes within a few minutes of getting to
the desktop.
If the laptop is booted in Safe Mode then there is no freeze problem.
The system was reinstalled with the factory restore DVD.
Same problem.
Did a fresh install with Windows XP Pro SP2 - same problem.
Any insight on where and what to look for would be gratefully accepted.

Check all your drivers to make sure the correct ones are installed--start
with the video display driver.

Are there any yellow question marks in Device Manager? Right click on
the My Computer icon on your Desktop and select Properties,
Hardware,Device Manager. If yes what is the Device Error code?

Have a look in the System and Application logs in Event Viewer for
Errors and Warnings and post copies here. Don't post any more than 48
hours ago.

You can access Event Viewer by selecting Start, Control Panel,
Administrative Tools, and Event Viewer. When researching the meaning
of the error, information regarding Event ID, Source and Description
are important.

HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308427/en-us

A tip for posting copies of Error Reports! Run Event Viewer and double
click on the error you want to copy. In the window, which appears is a
button resembling two pages. Click the button and close Event
Viewer.Now start your message (email) and do a paste into the body of
the message. Make sure this is the first paste after exiting from
Event Viewer.

Thanks very much for the informative responses.
The freeze continued even after upgrading the video drivers.
The unit is now being sent out to a factory-approved technician.

[san312]

What was the result of sending the laptop to the technician? How was the problem fixed? I have the same issue you described with my Toshiba Satellite M35X-S309. I would REALLY appreciate your help. Thank you!