Windows 8.1 update, no skydrive sync and Microsoft no help

I installed a routine update on my Windows 8.1 OS, and it made my mail app crash. I had to refresh my PC, which fixed that, but now I can't download my Skydrive docs to my PC as the transfer rate is so slow. Google drive is still instant, so I know it's not a bandwidth problem. Microsoft have basically told me there is nothing they can do.

I have tried the troubleshooter, clean boot (which wiped my Skydrive files from my PC), unlinking and reconnecting my account ... nothing works. It says it will take over a day to transfer 170 MB of data! Any help, please?