I have uninstalled and reinstalled P7. no change. I have erased thre pref files no help. I have run windows in diagnostic mode[no virus software or other background programs running.] No Change. Is it possible that having the extrernal runtimes is causing the issues? I can't see it causing the program to  stop responding, but it would maybe explain the inablity to find or load materials. I am hoping someone out there has had this problem and found a suitable solution.
I await your agravation ending answers
TIA
ImRassilon