Windows 7: Window's Security Center cannot start.

Hi. I've had to boot into Linux Mint, which is on another drive to post. Things are rapidly deteriorating in my Windows install, all the browsers are returning page errors, a lot of the system admin services won't display and various other issues.
My thought is to abandon this install. I only did it on Monday so it was only half set up anyway, as I only have the evenings to do stuff.
I need to avoid the same mistake again. Everything seemed fine at first so I'm tempted to think it was either an infected download from a legit site. I was putting on a lot of freeware, such as CCleaner, ISOrecorder, Rocket Dock etc etc.
Also coincident with this happening was me using EasyBCD to access my Linux install and the arrival of numerous security updates plus SP1. One of the updates appeared as cancelled but I didn't cancel it knowingly so either I did it accidently or I don't know what.
I reckon it will be easier to do another clean install as Windows 7 is swiftly becoming unusable.
What do you think folks and thanks very much for your support, John

I think that's a very good idea. Before you begin the re-installation (if you decide to do so), use your Linux box to download the security programs you will be using and save them to a flash drive. That way you can install them before you go online with the Windows 7 computer.

Well. I took the easy way out and I'm now in yet another clean install of Windows 7. I've only installed MSE and Google Chrome so far.
I think this time I'll wait until all the updates and SP1 are in before doing much else. I can reconnect my other two drives and access my media but I'll wait for SP1 before accessing Linux through EasyBCD.
I doubt that had anything to do with my problem but I can eliminate. Also I'll put very little software on until then as well. Just some utilities.
Thanks again for great support, John