check the BIOS setting for Legacy/UEFI. did you set it to legacy/MBR? or UEFI? if set to UEFI change it back to Legacy
Ehi guys, I've got a major update, so we can finally forget this thread. I'm really really sorry for the questions and repetated updates, but I'm finally (in part) relieved. I found the major culprit of the freezing problems: it was a package of desktop gadgets developed by a third-party company. I'm not sure if we're allowed to mention links/names, but that was the problematic app. I've uninstalled it and since then my laptop has become the old itself (i.e. no more freezings). In retrospect, problems started after I'd installed that program. I like desktop gadgets, so I did a research and downloaded another package instead. It's not as perfect as Windows own widgets, but it's good enough for basic info (and it's not a RAM-killer!). Unfortunately I can't use Windows own widgets until i've sorted the problem with the updates, but at the moment I'm just pleased to have my fast laptop back. @Skunk1966 Thank you for your input about the SSD. I'm going to test everything once I'm more settled (including trying to install new Win updates). Once again, thank you everyone who has helped me!!!