Well...in response to my above query slitherine said the following:
"Hi Kevin,
On some systems, the fact that the game is on C:\Program Files (x86)\..., might cause some permission issues. Please note that that's the folder where Microsoft suggests where the programs should be installed.
So I'm suggesting you to install the game outside C:\Program Files (x86)\....
Also very important is to delete the userpath.ini file.
When installing the beta patches also make sure that you are installing in the same folder as the game.
If you are installing for example on C:\Matrix Games\Wars of Napoleon, make sure that the correct folder is displayed on the destination box and destination location. (Please check the screenshots attached)
Kind Regards,
Paulo Costa
The Slitherine Group
support@slitherine.com"
Would be helpful for AGEOED/Slitherine to let people know, up front, that there could be permission issues with the default folder Microsoft downloads the game to: in any event, I am going to follow their guidance and uninstall and then re-install WON into a different location.....and the patches too: I imagine I will lose the saved games I have to date.....despite the repeated crashes I have made close to 1808.....I will be sorry to likely have to start all over again! I have been continuing to get exception and violation pop up messages ...even in the January 13 beta patch: perhaps this complete change of location of the game will help....Slitherine seems to thinks so.......but I have my doubts! Will keep everyone posted as to what transpires after I go through the inconvenience of uninstalling and reinstalling game....