I tried to understand in message #7 correctly, but I did find if you go to the Library Import tab on the bottom right you can update it that way. The popup window when you first start the software it wont update. I disabled the update that way in the program settings.
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If you can see file folders as you say, it is in communication, not sure what's wrong.
One thing you can do though if you have an SD card adapter where you can put the radios micro sd card in, use that and place that into your pc. It will look to the software like the radio is attached and when all else fails this procedure does work and it programs much faster.
Micro SD is on the right side of the radio, with the radio off, take the battery cover off and just push in and it releases.
This is a windows feature to install unsigned drivers for any kind of device not just for scanners.
wiki.radioreference.com