Thank you, everyone! I appreciate your looking. I did, of course, overwrite the Basic template, which did solve almost all the "new" issues I was having.
@David Baay, 100% to saving in the correct folder;-) Which I did...
There are only two things that are not saving (so far) in my template, which have to do with: All, Custom, Mix, FX, and the IO dialogue box, which comes up blank, regardless of the settings. However, you can still click to reveal my favorite "All". I always need to see my MIDI track options: input and output, channel, bank, and patches.
And, the ruler: I seldom use the H:M:S:F: ruler. I removed the H:M:S:F ruler from my saved template, but it reappears every time.
Lastly, if you guys see a thread regarding the Contour's Shuttle Pro V2, I have resolved that issue. It was not a Cakewalk issue at all. The Contour Shuttle Pro V2 is a 100% must-have for me. I am happy to share the Contour Shuttle Pro V2 configuration, along with the two additional files required, or provide help in getting it to work as intended.
Thanks again to all.
Most Respectfully,
~Michael Heavner