Is it too late to do a fresh install of win7?

[m654321]

Above post is correct. I just reinstalled Windows 7 two days ago. There is a process you have to follow or there will be problems. Translation: Prepare ahead of time! Have an 8gb flash drive handy to store all these files.
(0) A copy of Windows 7 OS that you need (home, pro, ultimate- x86, or x64) & your license key (DO NOT forget that)
    You can have this on a flash drive, but I still find a CD works better.
(1) Download WSUS offline installer & run it. It'll download about 2gb. of updates.
(2) If your copy of Windows 7 doesn't have service pack 1, download it. After reinstalling your OS, install that FIRST!
(3) Download these KB updates and install them in the order I've posted:
Windows6.1-KB3020369-x64 (This sets up your OS for offline installs. Why? Ask Microsoft, not me)
windows6.1-kb3125574-v4-x64 (The unofficial 'service pack 2')
Windows6.1-KB3153199-x64 (Fixes Windows updates to prevent the 'checking, but never download')
Windows6.1-KB3156417-x64 (May 2016 monthly rollup)
Windows6.1-KB3172605-x64 (July 2016 monthly rollup. June was cancelled because of a problem)
After installing these, run the WSUS offline installer. It'll install C++, IE11, Net framework 4.6.2, and a few missing KB updates. After all that Windows 7 will STILL need further updates, but it's only around 20, not 220. As I said, I did this 2 days ago and the entire process from start to finish took about 3 hours. It used to take 8, because of all the updates. And the final thing, of course, check if your version of Windows 7 is 32bit, or 64.

Yes of course you will need the product key.
I did what I described in post  #15 a week ago and had no problem - working very smoothly now - yes "it's correct", as you say - at least seems to be... ;D 
You seem to have taken a somewhat longer route: I only needed to download & install either one of the 'KB patches' I mentioned in post #15 and the computer did the rest itself for all the other bits & pieces you listed...

Don't forget the October & subsequent monthly roll-ups through till 2020 ...

Regards
Mike