Our systems are getting so complex they almost seem like they have minds of their own.
Yes the ghost in the machine is sometimes real, even if the ghost or whatever it is might have a reason to be there.
Beside that:
As it's only two applications of the V-collection 5 that have the issue and based on the availble informations, then what looks like to be the most logic way to perhaps fix the issue, if it's not a totally clean re-install in the way i have described?
When everything but the two standalone applications and plug-ins works then:
How can it be about the DAW?
How can it be about the OS?
How can it be about the soundcard?
How can it be computer component issues?
How can it be about anything else?
Have you messed with the registration database manually or using a registration cleaner tool of some kind?
I don't know if registration errors can stay after a re-install, or if any registration can cause issues like this.
Perhaps you can find a safe tool to scan the registry for corrupted entries in the registry. But don't mess with the registry unless you know what you are doing. Bu perhaps you can get some useful informations if you just scan to see.
Even if this don't look like a technical errorin the OS, then it don't hurt to run a sfc/scannow in the kommandoropmt as a administrator to fix system errors, if there should be any.
If you don't know how, then here is a video that show how to do it in windows 7:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlEHB1W-5RsAll this is only to do what's possible for you to do. Especially if you are certain the totally clean re-install don't fix the issue, like i still believe is the most logic fix.
If nothing works or show errors, then it do look like a ghost in the machine.
I have a hard time to believe a OS re-install should be needed as it's only 2 applications we talk about. And who can be certain it will work? But perhaps you have to try this as a last option. If you say okay for this option, then you can try a registry clean first if you have a application you can trust to do this. Also spyware can be in or come when using such tools like registry scanners and cleaners. Download and use safe stuff only. Be careful - especially with freeware.
EDIT: You can also try to run Windows own DIsk Clean. Read all the informations in the cleaner. This is still just to do what's possible. I dAnd it' can be good to do sometimes anyway. Only clean what's safe to clean. I don't think it helps, but who knows if we talk aboyt a ghost in the machine?
EDIT END
Good luck.