tried going back to Win 7 and system worked fine
May I suggest you continue using Windows 7 for awhile.
Also, you may wish to download the full ISO of Windows 10 and install it as a new installation, not as an update. It may be that Windows 10 and not properly register some of your programs you have on Windows 7.
Yes, you can shrink a partition and then install Windows 10 as a dual boot thing with both Windows 7 and Windows 10 each on their own partition.. That I what I do. Windows 10 will make the dual boot thing automatically.
How to dual boot Windows 10 and older versions of Windows **
After you get WIndo0ws 10 running right, install your favorite programs.
** Important link, bookmark it for reference.