Initializing audio engine freeze on start up

[dazjay]

Hi all
I have Protools 2018 v4.0 using on a PC with intel i5, 64 bit OS and Windows 10. Have had no problems since installing over 2 years ago but yesterday I tried to open and it now freezes at "initializing audio engine" every time I try to open it, even though I was still accessing it as of yesterday morning but now something is keeping me out. I have read threads about "trashing Protools Preferences" and then re opening Protools. Does this work? If so, will I still have all my song files saved or will they be deleted? What about plug ins? I just want some confirmation or reassurance that this works, I can't afford to lose years of music. Any other suggestions as to how to fix this?
Cheers
Daz