Multiple Software not working: Windows Essentials, Acronis, Windows Up

Hi All-

First time posting here and fingers crossed.

I have a new Alienware PC that came with Windows 8.1. Everything was working great. I went on vacation and came back last Saturday the 8th. Turned it on and let it run. I believe several patches were installed (MS updates). Strangely, I noticed my Acronis Trueimage 2015 was stuck at "calculating" for the next job.

Now onto Windows 10. I noticed that the update was available and thought I could fix Acronis after the W10 upgrade. Upgrade complete... no issues, no errors, looked good.

Since upgrading I noticed Windows Live mail would just hang on the intro screen. Uninstalled. Upon re-install of Windows Essentials it just hangs on the install screen

Acronis: Uninstalled, reinstalled. It is still hanging on the "calculating time"

Windows update: I thought, "maybe there is a patch out there". When I run Windows update it shows (3) available. When I tell it to install/download it just hangs at 0% downloading.

I have to think all of these issues tie back to something common. I am not software savy enough to know where to start.

The only step I have taken so far is to make sure Java is on the latest version. After that-- still all the same symptoms.

Advice, direction, suggestions appreciated!

Thanks!

Are you using the latest versions of all these software products? For instance, Acronis True Image 2015 for Windows 10 is build #6613.
What build are you currently using/installing?

Acronis Products: Windows 10 Support

Yes, I am running 6613.

As the topic indicates several packages have stopped working, even Windows Updates. There must be something they all use in common that is amiss.

Acronis 6613
Windows Essentials - latest off the MS Site
Windows Update - ??

TIA!

The Dell Community support forums would be a good place to post the problems. There is even a special forum just for Alienware users.

Owners Club - Dell Community