cannot install bitdefender free on win 8.1 computer

pcake

my computer: windows 8.1 (upgraded from win 8) 64 bit

a little background: last year i had a paid subscription to bitdefender for this same computer, but i ran into a large issue at a time when i needed to work and uninstalled it. i had really liked it, though, and decided to re-subscribe and get support if needed, so i downloaded the free version to make sure it worked, and i can't install it.

it starts to install normally, then at 96%, installation slows greatly, then i get this message:

and a few minutes later, i get this one:

while it was installing the first time (i tried installing twice), i accidentally successfully scanned a zip file.

any suggestions on how i can install the free version to make sure it works before paying?