Upgraded to Photoshop 2024, can't open any CR2 file, Photoshop has to be closed via End Task

I'm new here and have been extensively scrolling through previous posts trying to solve my issue.  I recently upgraded to Photoshop 2024 via Creative Cloud and things were working.  I don't use Lightroom, so uninstalled to free up hard drive space.  I think I uninstalled a few others things (possibly Camera Raw) but don't recall.  That's when PS2024 quit working.... meaning the PS app launches, but if I try to open any CR2 file, it acts like it will open (cursor circles), then it just stops.  At this point, if I try to click File, Edit, or anything on the toolbar, including the X to exit the app, it just beeps the Windows sound, and my only option is to End Task to close PS.

At this point, I have uninstalled PS (including my Topaz DeNoize plugin), Creative Cloud, Camera Raw, etc. mutliple times, rebooted, reinstalled, and nothing seems to work.  I've even installed PSv2023 but still can't open a CR2file.  I've ensured I right click on a CR2 file and tell it to open with PS.  I also saw on a post to reset preferences by Shift+Ctrl+Alt when starting PS, but that didn't change anything.  I installed Adobe Bridge and set the File Type preferences to open CR2 with PS. Still nothing. Ironically, I've reinstalled Lightroom and that works, but I prefer to use Photoshop and know this app "should" work!

I haven't been able to get into PS for over a week, and when you're paying for a subscription you expect apps to work.  I really hope someone will take pity on me and give me some tips as I'm seriously frustrated.