Internet Explorer Upgrade Misery

What is the story with Windows 7 and trying to upgrade Internet Explorer to the current version? I had everything tweaked very nicely recently. Running Windows 7 Professional, 64 bit, Internet Explorer 11. Then I got nailed with a virus or spyware or malware (Fake Video Player-OH GOD) and spent the better part of 3 days getting rid of it. I'm finally up and running, somewhat (still seems very slow and startup and shutdown are noticeabley slow) but noticed that IE was version 8. Downloaded IE11 and tried to install it at least 6 times but it always failed. Somehow or another, I was able to upgrade to IE9, which then allowed me to upgrade to IE10. But IE10 was non responsive every time. So I removed the IE10 update and and running IE9. Only problem is every time I go to Gmail, I am told this browser is not supported. When I click on the "Upgrade Browser" button, it takes me to the "Download IE11" fiasco again and I will not go through that route any more without some guidance. WHAT THE HELL IS THE STORY WITH MICROSOFT THAT THEY MAKE WINDOWS7 AND IE, WHICH, TO ME, ARE ACTUALLY THE SAME, SO DAMN INCOMPATABLE? Can anyone tell me how to upgrade Windows7 Professional, 64 bit to IE11, or at least a version of IE10 that actually works? Please? Thanks in advance

Thank you for your responses. I will not reinstall Windows 7 and then go through a week of reinstalling my programs and files. The problem is just not worth it. SFC sounds interesting. If I run it, will I lose all my programs and files, like a Windows reinstallation?