> I installed [newer terrain DB] and the problem with TAWS disappeared.

perhaps you also did limits setup, and turned on TAWS flag on that head?
The SRTM terrain DB shouldn't effect TAWS alerts.

> lack of "Faults" submenu

the faults menu is for stormscope, ads-b, and WSI weather "datalinks" and
without them the menu will not be available (or needed) on the MFD. also
TAWS requires a valid GPS, from the pinpoint or freeflight and isn't a
"datalink" source monitored by Faults.

> none of the databases or files on the system get transferred between screens.

well, some of limits.txt is sent, but not even saved flight plans are sent
until you activate them :-)

Rob