Thanks to all that helped me, so much appreciated. In the end, it was "user error", yes one has to be able to follow directions. The problem was I was installing the TWoS updater and NOT the main TWoS file itself. I was dinking around and it finally struck me that I was missing that file so I downloaded it and applied it then the updater. SUCCESS!
It was an easy fix, and I'm so excited to be able to enjoy this game again, but at the same time, feel quite stupid it was all avoidable had I just paid much closer attention to the instructions! Thanks all!
My next task is to get the radio and Deutsche Rundfunk working.