So I did it my way

Uninstalled GE, downloaded the full version of and earlier version and the earlier version works as it did before.
If you attempt to just install an earlier version automatically it will revert to the lates and still not work.
You must download the "Direct Installer" for the version you want.
In my case "googleearth-win-bundle-7.1.5.1557.exe"
I saved it and next time it does an update and no longer works I can do the same again.
Only takes 10 minutes and your good to go again.
Inconvenient but it works
