Eureka!
Ran unregister from ss folder
Uninstalled the sim
Uninstalled 2005 C++ 32bit and 64bit
Cleaned out %tmp% folder
Ran CCleaner to clean any remaining junk files and reg entries
Used Everything Search to find any other Vstep or Shipsim folder (found & deleted 1)
Reboot
Download and install 2005 C++ 32bit only
Reboot
Run as Admin the install exe and did a full install of all options
Reboot
Run as admin the program exe
It works!
I will next attempt to install the 2005 C++ 64bit. Curious if SS will try to use it or if it will ignore the 64bit.
Cant wait to order my ship controls and head out to sea
Thanks for the guidance.
-GB