OK, I'm convinced that windows update is not  the issue here.  I'm convinced that C++ is not the issue.  This not a  Firewall, or antivirus issue.  Reinstallation of Windows 7 is not a practical solution.  At this  stage, I don't know where to go next.  AS the old song goes, "makes me wanna holler, throw up both my hands". 
 
I appreciate all the suggestions, looks like I'm stuck at Newburyport.

promidi

jazzyd
OK, I'm convinced that windows update is not  the issue here.  I'm convinced that C++ is not the issue.  This not a  Firewall, or antivirus issue.  Reinstallation of Windows 7 is not a practical solution.  At this  stage, I don't know where to go next.  AS the old song goes, "makes me wanna holler, throw up both my hands". 
 
I appreciate all the suggestions, looks like I'm stuck at Newburyport.

You probably do not want to hear this, but do you know anyone who works in IT for a living who can physically come to your premises to help you sort this.

++++ that is the best advise in your situation
 
Since you have already contacted CW support and have digged yourself, I guess you want an explanation why that advise is good. Also note that "IT specialists" can be different, as you probably know with dentists, car repair service, etc.
 
So, what they are going to do what you have not done yet? Your situation and possible thoughts (of IT man):
* Your system not only can not register some DLLs, but also had problems with updates. 2 most popular reasons for that are viruses/malware and file system corruption (by hard switching off the computer, etc). Mentioned by you "update fix" check and cleanup corrupted information about updates and so updates can start to work "from scratch". After that you still have some problems, so some basic component is still corrupted.
* Recent Sonar versions are compiled with VS 2015. Not many other programs have done that yet, so the rest of the system looks like "ok". Virus scenario - some basic component is still replaced by virus/malware, and it is "so old" that it is not supporting 2015 functionality
* DLL registration procedure involves 2 steps:
1) loading the DLL (so, dependencies should be satisfied)
2) calling DllRegisterServer from the DLL, which is typically just modify the registry...
 
It is easy start with loading, also that is most probable (registry updates problems normally trigger other errors).

There are several programs to check dependencies. On the screenshot you see one file from your list, which can be loaded successfully. On your system it will probably indicate some errors.
 
If not, there are many other methods / approaches / points to check... I have describe just A SMALL SUBSET of directions and operations, that is just AN EXAMPLE and not the complete checklist.
 
I hope that give you an idea for what IT experts can be helpful

un
What can you do if your DAW is offline?
 
I haven't updated Windows on my DAW in 3 years and haven't had any need to. It seems as if I will not be able to install Platinum, when I finally get around to it, unless I can find a way to resolve this issue without putting the DAW online.

download the "offline" update installers from ms on a different machine and transfer via memory stick
How are you updating sonar?

un
Thanks I have never used offline Windows update installers but I will go learn about them.
 
Is there a specific Windows update # for this specific issue with Platinum installs? Updating the one aspect that is required while leaving well enough alone on the rest of my install will be my preference.

That is not a common issue. There is a big chance that your installation will go smooth.

I am in the same boat...
Tried installing x3, got that same api missing .dll message. Saw the forums and tried reinstalling 2015 redistrutable, no luck, firewall and avs off no difference, tried downloading automatic updater and letting that do its work I got error messages. My computer has been offline since 2012, Ideally a clean install would be nice, but with a large library of plugs and and everything else functioning properly, doesn't seem this will be a option. Can you point me to offline updates from microsoft? or possibly help me narrow down files needed?