If it were me, seriously time to bite the bullet, do a complete upgrade to Windows 10, windows 8 is really the beta version of windows 10. I held out going with Windows 10 until 7 was no longer a viable option, and I have had driver issues, but once they have been fixed, reluctantly I must agree that it appears to be pretty stable. I would not touch 8 with a barge pole that is for sure. Leon you need to seriously consider doing this as you are going to tear out what is left of your hair and give yourself a stroke mate. Stop trying to fix it yourself and take it to a reputable tech and start from scratch.
In the long run I reckon you will be much better off. Oh and if you do decide, make sure it is the Pro version, just my 10c worth on this of course.
