Glad it is working now, at least.
You shouldn't have to uninstall before installing updates; it shouldn't make a difference, other than wiping the config (but that would then be undone when you restored the config backup).
No need to exit/restart the whole program (e.g. via File / Exit Directory Opus), but you should always close the window and open a fresh window to test folder formats are working as intended, otherwise the results can be confusing.
Changes made within a particular folder tab will be remembered when changing to other folders of a similar type (else you would have to keep re-doing changes them when you changed folders, which would make some common processes a pain).
Similarly, things that only take effect when opening a new window will not be tested unless you open a new window. (e.g. If a layout which you open is configured to use its own folder format, overriding any formats saved for the folders, then you'll get different results when you open that layout.)