Cannot Connect Wireless Windows XP Pro (SP3)

My laptop freezes about one minute after getting to the Desktop screen. Everything I need to do MUST be done via Safe Mode. I would like to get rid of this tick as efficiently as possible, so I'm counting on the "issue snipers" from TSF?

General Dynamics GoBook V-2
Windows XP Professional
Version 2002
Service Pack 3
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 / 2.2 GHz ( Dual-Core )
Memory 1.0 GB / 4.0 GB (max)
Hard Drive 80.0 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400.0 rpm
Display Type 13.3 in TFT active matrix
Graphics Processor Intel GMA X3100 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 4.0

It started two days ago out of nowhere. It simply froze in the middle of composing an email. I was performing my routine business tasks that I always have done: emails, Google searches, composing letters, etc. I do not use the laptop for gaming. I thought a simple restart would clear the issue (as this laptop is very powerful and fast, with no issues at all), but yet again it froze about one minute into getting on the Desktop screen. In normal mode, the Desktop starts up and start-up audio sound is present, then while the laptop is "thinking" and processing the services, it freezes. No movement of pointer, keys or even Ctrl/Alt/Del is attainable. I must perform a "hard off" and always restart into Safe Mode to accomplish anything.

I can ONLY access internet and my files in Safe Mode. Normal Mode ALWAYS freezes. Safe Mode runs like lighting, but the only issue is that - of course - there is no audio, which is absolute important to me in my line of work. I have hardly any programs installed on the laptop that would be excessive or detrimental. Print Shop 22 (690.00MB ), CyberLink PowerDirector (766.00MB) and Microsoft Streets & Trips (1,072.00MB) are the "largest" software programs by far. No music files, no video files and few image/document files (721KB). The bulk of the memory are the standard hardware/software files that come with the laptop. Over 60% of the memory is free space. I like to keep my laptop bare bones as much as possible for maximum performance, that of which I had up until 2 days ago. I always clear my address history everyday in both Mozilla and via Control Panel, and I always empty my Recycle Bin daily as well. I was notified that an attack WAS happening, and I immediately activated my anti-virus. The virus was removed, but it looks like it left this one, annoying issue behind for me to deal with.After reading through so many posts on so many different tech support sites, it seems like the symptom could be that some services may be contradicting each other and causing the freeze. Again, this is just my assumption based on what I've been researching, as well as the other tasks (from this site) I have attempted to correct this issue:

* Ran Malwarebytes full scan, found viruses and killed them.

* Created another User Profile to access (in case it was a profile issue). Freezes the same way as it does on the original, normal profile.

* Cannot access any Windows or Microsoft updates via their sites.

* Performed a Disk Defrag and a Disk Cleanup. Utilized my Registry Repair Wizard tool.

* Cannot access System Restore in Safe Mode, and quick search in normal showed all previous restore points deleted.

* Performed a CMOS by removing the battery for about 20 minutes while unplugged, and also discharged excess charge with the power button.

* Free of lint, dust and hair

* Fan is spinning and cooling as needed.

There is NO disc drive whatsoever on this laptop, nor do I really want to reformat/clean install (if necessary).