Having trouble with Windows and I.E. browser

[mdklassen]

> FIRST OFF

First off, an "answer" has already been accepted by the author of the question.

> IT CAN BE, JUST VIRUS INFECTED, OR BAD HDD OR UPDATES DIED.

The author wrote that the HP Diagnostics all "passed". 

> Windows 7 is problematic

OK. If you say so.  But, after getting security-updates, and non-security updates, since 2011, don't you think that most "problems" have been reported and fixed?

> ever do a fresh install in 2017 anywhere  and see the 300 updates missing> and 3 days to get em'.

Have you noticed that Microsoft, a few months ago, changed Windows Update, to issue a "cumulative" update, rather than literally hundreds of updates?  Thus, if you do a "fresh" install today, it goes _much_ quicker.

> and if then newest version of IE is not installed , the UPDATES will will never ever happen!!

The newest version of IE is automatically installed, through Windows Update.

> I have battled this on many systems even made a slip-streamed install disk for w7-64 with all updates on board.

Windows Update has "changed" -- many of the individual updates are applied via one "roll-up" each month, viz.

March 2017 Security Monthly Quality Rollup for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/4012215

> but let's work your problem, above is the heads up horrors w7,that do apply here.

Does not apply here.

> what if your PC is 2009 PC DT or laptop, and on that day you got (bought) the Install disks. from HP,  the media install kit. well its 300 updates behind and missing correct IE, 11. 

No.  Windows Update applied the latest "roll-up", instead of those many fixes.

> ok  what to do,

> 1: backup your data. 

> #: do a simple install , hdd back to dead  laptop

The author indicated that the computer is a DESKTOP, not a LAPTOP.

> #:  insert the HP install media and do a full clean install

> if the setup.exe tells you the HDD is dead or defective it sure is,

The disk-drive "passed" the HP Diagnostics, including the SMART check.

Windows refuses to install on a disk-drive where SMART is reporting "bad".

> time for a new HDD or 10x better a new ssd

As suggested above.  No need for you to repeat the suggestion.

[sciencemagic]

Hi mdklassen, thanks for your reply. So, a new non SSD HD will fit regardless. But if I were to buy the SSD version it will need an adaptor (tray) for the 2.5" HD to work with my standard 3.5 slot. I understand. Thanks again, mdklassen for your help and patience.

[mdklassen]

Example -- it's just stamped metal -- no electronic parts.

[sciencemagic]

Hi mdklassen, I can readily see what you are referring to. It's an adaptor for a smaller disk drive (SSD) to fit a larger existing drive. Thank you again, mdklassen.