jimbuna....It worked!!!!!!! I had a minor 'brain cramp' when I tried your suggestions the first time. Although I uninstalled the game from the disc successfully, there was still a Ubisoft/Silent Hunter III folder left behind with files in it. They must have interfered with the re-load - patch. When I tried again and also deleted the entire SH3 folder, it worked. I now appear to have a working 1.4 version because I was able to load up and run a single mission. Thanks so much for your help!!! I have been 'on dry land' much too long.
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Sailor Steve, I ordered a new copy of the game through the subsim Amazon link. For a few dollars, I don't think it's a bad idea to have another option with an already patched disc. Thanks for the tip!
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See you both in the Atlantic!