As I mentioned in my original question, I start experiencing the issue with error 0xc00d3e8e, after the last major windows update received earlier this May - I was literally watching the update taking place! My update history indicates it as "Feature Update to Windows 10, version 1803" received in May 14. In the Windows Update panel, my pc is being reported as "Up-to-date" but if I check for updates I do receive a notification to install "2018-05 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1803 for x64-based Systems (KB4100403)".
What the heck????
Anyway, the issue was not present before an update performed earlier in May 2018.
I am installing the new update and I will get back to you. But I have yet to receive an answer as to what happened with all my mp4 and mov dates previously set by me in the "Media Created" property of the file, nor to why suddenly that certain property is locked against any attempt to set it again AND to why does it report random, erroneous dates.
UPDATE: My PC i now Windows 10, Version 1803 OS Build 17134.81.
The problem still persists.