Hello Leon
Unless you have a good reason to stay with W8.1, why don't you upgrade to Windows 10??
here is a link on how to do it.
https://www.techworm.net/2017/01/can...mple-hack.html
This description is dated Jan' 2020, I did it in Nov' 2019, I followed this " how to "
https://www.techworm.net/2017/01/can...mple-hack.html
If you are still having WiFi speed issues, drive somewhere where you will get a better signal - a telecommunications tower in sight?
Have you given up on that clunker of a hard drive yet - I hope you have bought a new one.
Ed