Windows 7 possible issue/malware?

[irritant]

Hey guys, been using Windows 10 for a long time now but recently decided to fire up Windows 7 to run some older programs I have.

I did a complete fresh install on the one PC I have and noticed a few strange things. One is that you get an error when trying to download updates, the others are that .ttf font files are trying to be opened with other programs other than windows font viewer by default, same with .zip files are suddenly set to open with VLC media player as default program, and really odd messages about windows recovering from an unexpected shut down when coming out of sleep mode.

This sounds like a virus? What do you guys think? Is it still safe to connect Win 7 to the web? Yes, I have anti-virus installed, but they say nothing's up.

Edit: Also, external HDD doesn't start up sometimes, so you can't access it (little light doesn't even come on) -- almost like a dead USB slot.