Why do I get errors trying to access the Google Play Services?

[AC Question]

Errors trying to access Google Play Services

I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 mini. At first I was getting errors like "unfortunately, hangouts has stopped." Then it spread to other apps like What's App and Google Play store. I tried everything I could find on Google searches but nothing worked. So I did a last resort hard reset on my phone.*
Now I can't add my Google account or sign into the play store without these 1 or all of these 3 errors popping up constantly...
"couldn't sign in...there was a problem communicating with google servers"
"unfortunately, the process com.google.process.gapps has stopped" or
"unfortunately google play services has stopped"
I have tried manually setting the date, time and time zone on my phone, clearing app preferences, clearing both the cache and data for all apps associated with google and even the others. When I 'turn off' Google Play services the error doesn't pop up but as soon as I turn it back on I get the error messages again. I checked it in safe mode and the error still pops up.
I've lost all my games and social media apps with the reset and cant re-install I've tried uninstalling the play store and the play services but I'm not getting the option to do so. Google Settings won't even open!

HELP!!!

 

[B. Diddy]

Re: Errors trying to access Google Play Services

Welcome to Android Central! What version of Google Play Services do you have? The current version is 7.2.40. Try going to the Google Play Services app page on Google Play Store on your computer browser: https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...d=com.google.android.gms&hl=en&token=k-G7OxGT. Click on the Installed button, then see if your S4 Mini is listed as eligible for installation.