SH5 Won't start (TWOS)

[C0NNERS]

Hi guys.

Apologies for the request - I've literally been at this all day and feel like I've exhausted all options for solving this unassisted. I must have reinstalled and followed the process below 7 or 8 times.

Summary of issue:

• I clean install SH5 Gold (digital download) and download Uplay - both to a custom games folder (not C: Program Files)
• Update to v 1.2
• Start new campaign then exit game
• I then follow (to the letter) instructions for installing TWOS
  • Update Main.cfg and career progress.cfg
  • Install TWOS mods via JSGME in correct order
  • update GenericPatcher.cfg
  • Open Generic Patcher and restore TWoS 1.04_Snapshot.gps

When I double click the SH5.exe nothing happens - the cursor changes to working/spinning but it just stays like that indefinitely.

When I open Task Manager I can see THREE instances of SH.5.exe *32 running - and I can't end the process on any of them (image attached.)

If I roll back the changes (remove mod etc) still nothing. Its like the EXE is generating multiple instances of itself when I run it?

If anyone can shed any light, I'd be most grateful.

This issue is like a steering wheel in my pants - its driving me nuts!

Many thanks.