Run the System File Checker tool (SFC.exe) from the Adminstrator Command prompt yet?
 
sfc /scannow
 
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929833

Canopus
That has never happened to me. Can you find any error message in the Event Viewer that relates to your repair attempt?

I can't find anything in the event viewer related to the repair attempt.  

abacab
Run the System File Checker tool (SFC.exe) from the Adminstrator Command prompt yet?
 
sfc /scannow
 
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929833

I tried it, but it did not find any "integrity violations"
 
thanks for the suggestion.

Beagle

abacab
Run the System File Checker tool (SFC.exe) from the Adminstrator Command prompt yet?
 
sfc /scannow
 
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929833

I tried it, but it did not find any "integrity violations"
 
thanks for the suggestion.

Well, it looks like you have eliminated Sonar files, folders, and Windows system files...
 
If it was my PC, I would probably be looking for a recent Restore Point right about now.
 
Sounds like something maybe, could be, a little flaky in the registry.  Especially since that C++ redistributables repair did not execute.

Because I can't recall seeing this sort of thing in the past. I think its time to try a virus scan and maybe malware using malwarebytes https://www.malwarebytes.com .
 
I wish I had an answer for you. 

John
Because I can't recall seeing this sort of thing in the past. I think its time to try a virus scan and maybe malware using malwarebytes https://www.malwarebytes.com .
 
I wish I had an answer for you. 

sorry, I had tried that even earlier than posting the OP but didn't mention it.  I keep the malwarebytes on my system.
 
so, my closest restore point was over 5 weeks away and it affected several programs, but I did the restore point and currently I'm running sonar again.  it seems to have defaulted back to the dull gray color instead of the theme I had on it, but at least it appears to be working and I can load my latest project save from this morning.
 
 after restoring, I verified sonar was working, then I created another restore point.  then I opened the CC (which I had not done previously, I had only opened sonar directly).  CC wanted to update to the newest version.  I did not let it, not knowing if that was what had caused my problem to begin with or not.
 
CC still opened with the old version and still allowed me to run the update to the newest sonar!  and it is now updated to version 2016.07(22.7.0.41)
 
AND it restored my theme when I updated sonar!  
 
so I'm marking this one solved, even tho I don't know the root cause, at least it is resolved and I have my sonar back!
 
P.S. - John, Shirely you didn't think a problem of MINE was going to be EASY did ya??

Well Beagle when the old guard has a problem it often is a tough one. Otherwise it would have already been fixed. I am glad it is working for you. But notice the help at your disposal. Members jumping over themselves trying to figure out a solution. I think that speaks volumes. 

ABSOLUTELY!  I am grateful for ALL of the suggestions!  I always am!

And stop calling him Shirley! :)
 
Bob Bone
 

Whew, glad you got this fixed Reece.  Right in the middle of the final mixes on the next Scandalous Grace song.