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#11
Don't be scared, but please follow the instructions here:
Windows Update Posting Instructions
Then try the SP1 off-line install
Reference: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/976932
Since you tried IE 11 - there might be more work than if you hadn't tried IE 11. Still, no big deal... just a pain to unravel (if you need to)
You really do want to update your system to SP1 regardless of how well the machine has worked over the years without it. There are some things (IE11 for example) that require Win7 SP1 - but most importantly, your system is not benefiting from improvements.
Bob,
As an alternative to troubleshooting the SP1 update, consider the following if you have the financial means to purchase a new drive.
1) Collect all of the information needed to install your purchased software (install discs, license keys, configuration preferences, etc). Things you'll need to reinstall those software packages and make them work the way you have them working now.
Note: Download the wireless driver from the OEM and place it on a disc or USB thumb drive (precautionary only - so you have it if you need it)
2) Free software can be downloaded and installed IF you know the homepage
3) Find the OEM support page for your machine - post it here.
4a) Purchase a new drive (consider an SSD)
4b) Purchase an enclosure for the current HDD
5) Pull the old drive out of the machine
6) Install the new drive in the machine
7) All of these steps are detailed in the Clean Install tutorials
a) Install Windows 7 using the SP1 u ISO
b) Update Windows completely - including the drivers
c) Check Device Manager for any errors - download and install the missing drivers form the OEM support page
8) You now have a nice clean Win7 SP1 install and you have your data safe on the old HDD sitting on the table.
9) Now you can start putting your favorite software on your machine.
Grab the install disc and the license key - install the software fresh and clean.
Note: You might want to see if there is a newer version that can be used with the license key you own. Check with the software publisher for each retail package - otherwise, use the original disc.
10) Download and install any free software packages - might as well get the newest version (but check to see if there are big changes - you're used to the way the software works now, no sense in creating too large of a learning curve)
11) You now have a full system - Win7 SP1 and all of your favorite software
12) Put the old HDD in the enclosure and connect it to your machine. Your data is on the HDD - you can work off of the HDD or move the data to your new drive and keep the old HDD as backup.
It sounds like a lot, but it is really easy once you do all of the prep work. I can usually complete this process in about 4 hours - everything including my favorite software installed. You might have more software so it might take more time.
Don't do any of the above until you think about it, then prepare, then ask questions, then take it slowly... step-by-step.
- or -
you can try troubleshooting the system as is - your call.
A key point is to choose what you want to do, then follow that path until it dead ends or is successful. Trying to do 2 or 3 methods just confuses everyone and is prone to errors.
Think, ask, do ...
Bill
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Just read over the steps in the blue link to ask back any questions you have. We've helped over a million consumers do the reinstall without a single failure or complaint. This will help you learn to be master of your PC and not scared of it. We are not for hire here. This is the top tech forums on the web because we empower the user to do it yourself.