Thank you very much for your guidance.
On the 29th, Windows Updates wouldn't work well (seemed to be getting stuck for ever). So i had downloaded the 8 .msu files from microsoft but when i went about installing (acc. to the order stated), i would get the msg "Not applicable for your computer". Then i found this forum and went through your Troubleshooting post. Infact, i had even downloaded [update-for-universal-c-runtime-in-windows] (KB2999226); but the same result when i tried to install it. After everything failed, Windows Updates began working and it was hours of updating after that. After each restart, i would try the sequence of uninstalling/re-installing the Ms VC++ 2015-2019 x86 n x64 Redistributables; and then the same with WAMP.
An hour ago today (31Mar, 1am here IST), after i saw your reply, i tried installing (KB2999226), and it got done like jelly
Was so good to see that happen. I tried running WAMP; but it didnt go to Green.
I thought i'll try the earlier 8 MSU files again; but again none of them were 'applicable'.
There was one other file (besides the 8 MSU) --- windows8.1-KB4540725-x64.msu --- this one installed successfully.
On the other side, Windows Update was showing about 1700 MB worth new updates
Just before i went to do that, i thought to do the routine once more
+ Uninstalled MsVC++ 2015-2019 x64 14.28.29913
+ Uninstalled MsVC++ 2015-2019 x86 14.28.29913
+ restarted WIN
+ installed MsVC++ 2015-2019 x64 14.28.29913
+ installed MsVC++ 2015-2019 x86 14.28.29913
+ restarted WIN
+ installed WAMP
+ restarted WIN
+ ran WAMP
********** and it went GREEN! ***********
was all Hallelujahs!!! relieved & glad. Many thanks to u; God bless~