Windows 7: IE9 Installation Failure

I've tried installing IE9 using Windows Update on Windows 7 SP 1 32 bit and I have had some problems. The package appears to install ok and demands a reboot. After I reboot the laptop, I get the "Starting Windows" message and then some "Applying Update Operations" messages which I have never seen before. Then I get the "Preparing to Configure Windows" screen which then results in a "Failure Configuring Windows" message and the update is reversed.

However, after the laptop has finished rebooting, Windows Update shows me that the installation was successful but still offers me IE9 as an important update. In "Programs & Features/Windows Features" it shows me that IE9 is enabled. When I click on the shortcut on my desktop, IE8 opens.

Any suggestions on how I can get IE9 to install completely?

Internet Explorer 9 - Uninstall
I would start by totally uninstalling the current version. You can do an Advanced Search to be sure you get any remnants that might be left behind. (Be sure to search your entire system and click the "Include non-indexed, hidden, and system files" box.)

Then, follow this tutorial for instructions as to how to download IE9:
How do I install or uninstall Internet Explorer 9?
(from Microsoft)

Thanks for your response Imperfect1. Unfortunately I didn't get very far. IE9 doesn't appear in the "View Installed Updates" screen even though it appears in the "View Update History" screen.

What can I try next?

type "features" into the start menu search, choose "turn Windows features on or off"

see if IE8 is there, if yes, uncheck it, reboot. after that try installing IE9 again. if it doesn't work (and/or you want/need IE8 back, repeat the procedure, this time checking IE8 and reboot)

JUST IN CASE, I would download an alternative browser, if it so happens that you get stuck at some point and don't have any browser to actually get more help online. PortableApps have Chrome and Firefox portable, just install it on the desktop or something, and use it in case you need it, if not, you can just delete the folder

In the "Turn Windows Features On or Off" window, it shows IE9 even though when I run IE it runs IE8.

Following a suggestion from themorbidman on Microsoft Answers, I got IE9 to install properly in "safe mode with networking".

Hi! Paulus, welcome to 7F

Could you supply the link to themorbidman's solution?

Here is the link:

IE9 Did Not Install Properly - Failure Configuring Windows occurs - Microsoft Answers

Thank you! I was just curious as to how it was done.