computer problems....?

I disagree with some answers here. The fact that the system can go online in safe mode and not in regular mode means that it understands the hardware, but something is booting up in regular mode that is interfering with the connection (my guess is a virus, security program like a new fire wall program, or spyware [80% of windows problems probably due to that]).

First thing I'd do is, if its a Win XP system, go to start -> run -> type msconfig and go to the startup tab. In that, un-click most things you don't recognize, but I'll bet you any new things from any newly installed program is at the bottom.

A spyware check might also prove to be very valuable. I'd start with Spy Bot Search and destroy (www.safer-networking.org/), and also run afterwards Ad-Aware (http://www.lavasoft.com/single/trialpay.php). The next thing you could do is a virus check (I doubt it to be the problem, but would be my second guess) and for that I'd use Avast. Its free and powerful, and much better then Norton or McAfee (McAintFree..lol).

If it is timing out, it is trying to make some kind of internet connection. It could be a driver problem with an ethernet card or LAN driver problem. Did you recently upgrade or install a new driver for your internet LAN or ethernet card connection? If so, uninstall the driver and then try to boot again into the normal desktop. Then, try to reinstall the driver.

click on start

highlight and right click on "my computer"

click on properties

go to the hardware tab

click on device manager

if you have any yellow question marks you might be missing

some needed drivers.

you might have to use another computer with internet access to download these drivers from your manufacturers website.

do a security scan and see if you have an infection

after that scan if OK , some free ones are AVIRA OR WINDOWS ESSENTIALS

check for REGULAR windows updates

try updating your drivers, if that fails i would reformat your system.

or it could be issues with your router>