On the underside of the laptop, is there a compartment for RAM? Normally 2 or 4 small Phillips screws holding the cover on?
If so, open it, check for RAM modules installed. There may be 2, pull one out, try the machine. Still hangs? Swap that module out with the other and run on the single one again. Still hanging?
..If so, unlikely to be RAM, unless you have TWO bad memory modules - in which case, to be absolutely sure, see if anyone else has some comaptible RAM modules and try theirs. Last resort to iron out it isn't RAM is to buy one module for that machine. Kingston memory's website has a "RAM Configurator" IIRC, this lets you put in your laptop model and tells you what modules it accepts. Grab a part number and go find one on the web and Add to Cart, buy it, try it.
