Well I don't know how to explain it but I got everything working once again. I re-downloaded the 7Z file and extracted everything to a new directory. I made minimal changes and started it up and it worked. Then I did a slow and careful add 1 thing in and add 1 more directory and start it up and test. I slowly added everything back in and made some gradual changes to the gui settings and hbmame ini files and am back in business with everything I need populated and all changes added in.
I wish I knew why the other one didn't work - the only thing I did differently this time is (besides starting from a clean directory) is just making gradual changes.
Robbbert - I really appreciate your replies trying to straighten me out. Thanks for HBMAME too.