Windows update problem

This is further to my post http://forums.techguy.org/web-email/...owed-down.html

I installed a new HDD, but am having problems installing windows updates. I get the message failure configuring windows updates, reverting changes.

I have tried various solutions given on the internet, including refreshing the laptop as well as clean boot. These have not worked. Grateful for a solution. I want to install windows 8.1, but this presumably can not be installed until other updates have been installed.

Windows defender is enabled. Drive G is system reserved; shows as empty.

Tech Support Guy System Info Utility version 1.0.0.2
OS Version: Microsoft Windows 8 Pro with Media Center, 64 bit
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU Q 720 @ 1.60GHz, Intel64 Family 6 Model 30 Stepping 5
Processor Count: 8
RAM: 8125 Mb
Graphics Card: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5000 Series (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM v1.20), 1024 Mb
Hard Drives: C: Total - 239656 MB, Free - 185303 MB; E: Total - 236929 MB, Free - 187204 MB; G: Total - 349 MB, Free - 108 MB;
Motherboard: Hewlett-Packard, 1449
Antivirus: Windows Defender, Disabled