Almost Every Program "Has Stopped Working" after Windows Updates.

Good Evening All,

First of all, let me apologize beforehand for the rambling post. I just don't really know where to start and what information is needed. I'm hoping there is hope for my Lenovo T410 laptop.
When I try to open most programs I get the error listed in the title of this post. Then it goes to "Windows is checking for a solution to the problem". Then it closes and goes away. I haven't been able to figure out any rhyme or reason to the apps that do not load.

I was stupid and recently performed every Windows Update that showed up and my problems have started since. One of my original problems was with GfxUI.exe stopping, so I uninstalled Microsoft.NET Framework and that seems to have helped with that error at least (original error screen shot attached, I think 2.0 is still on the machine). I've also manually uninstalled any of the updates I can specifically remember installing.
Additionally I've tried to do a system restore as far back as I am able, but that hasn't helped. I wish I had earlier restore points.

I don't think I have any viruses/malware as my McAfee and Malwarebytes haven't found anything, could be wrong. I have attached latest HijackThis log.

I cannot use any diagnostic tools (Microsoft Management Console, Lenovo ThinkvantageToolbox, etc), because everything closes. However, I have performed a few SFC scans and have a bunch of "Could not reproject corrupted file" entries; I didn't want to attach that without permission as it is 11 MB's.

Short of a full Windows 7 reinstall, do you guys/girls think there is anything I can do to get back up and running?
Thank you in advance for your consideration and assistance.

Pete

I had tried the sfc scan. I guess it fixed some entries, not enough to be noticed perhaps? Another thing I discovered today is that when I open my .txt files the contents are now like hieroglyphics. That has to be an infection right?

I've run a diagnostic hard drive check through BIOS, nothing found. I'm in the process of running a dskchk as we speak. A friend of mine has same laptop and he recently had hard drive replaced; might be my issue also.
I tried booting from a system repair disc to try a repair, but no OS was listed. I am not sure if I missed something.

I was doing it wrong. After checking the link you provided, this is what I was doing incorrectly. Duh. You cannot do a repair install with a System Repair Disc. A System Repair Disc is not a installation disc, and will only boot to the System Recovery Options screen.

Good morning again everyone. So I am still having issues with this laptop.
I'd like to get it fixed so I keep messing with it.
Just for fun I tried another system repair. I realized after seeing this screenshot that it may not have completed correctly. https://www.sevenforums.com/attachments/tutorials/9039d1240846809-system-recovery-options-xp-w7_3.jpg

On this screen, no OS was detected. I'm thinking I had hit next too quickly the first time. I also noticed that after this screen the hard drive being "worked on" displayed in lower left corner was listed as X. Was it even doing anything? I didn't really want to mess with the "load drivers" selection as the hard drive has drivers installed, not sure why OS didn't show up though.

What should I try next, any ideas?