Windows 8 missing important files?

[Salamileg]

I have an iBuyPower Revolt running Windows 8 (not 8.1).

My computer refuses to start or install many game and programs. Examples are stuff like Terraria, Skyrim Special Edition, and Microsoft Office. Due to the types of programs that are unable to be used, I believe it's based on three things. It won't work on my computer if:

• It requires Windows Installer
• It relies heavily on .NET framework
• It requires a x64 bit operating system (which my computer is)

In addition, I am unable to do a factory reset on my computer. Clicking the option to do so does nothing (if it even shows up, which it's only done once). I am also unable to take advantage of the free update to Windows 8.1.

This problem has been going on for a few years now. It started about two months after I got the computer, shortly after I had to get both memory sticks replaced (the computer was barely working at all beforehand). When I noticed this, I couldn't afford any more repairs, so I ignored it.

So, my question is, would buying and installing a Windows 8.1 disk solve this issue? If not, I'm hesitant to spend the money on something that may not even work. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Ketchup]

8.1 is a free update from 8, so I don't see any reason not to try going that route first.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/15288/windows-8-update-to-windows-8-1

 

[Salamileg]

8.1 is a free update from 8, so I don't see any reason not to try going that route first.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/15288/windows-8-update-to-windows-8-1

I'm unable to do that. I can't do it from "Update and Recovery" because clicking the Update button literally does nothing, and I can't do it from the Windows Store because that thinks I'm offline for some reason.

 

[Ketchup]

In that case, you want to do something like this:
http://www.howtogeek.com/187525/how-to-perform-a-clean-install-of-windows-8.1-with-a-windows-8-key/
Before doing that, you might give system file checker a try.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929833

 

[VirtualLarry]

Might want to do a malware scan with malwarebytes and adwcleaner.