Samsung Galaxy S5 - "message+ has stopped"

[mhmc]

Working fine last night, this morning I cannot read any messages because when I try to open Message+ the app flashes on screen, then I immediately get a pop up that says "Unfortunately Message+ has stopped".

I am notified if a new message is received, but cannot keep app open long enough to read.  The new message notice shows up on home screen - a little number on the right upper corner of the message plus icon.

I have followed troubleshooting guide steps

1. Check for message blocks.  NONE

2. Ensure you're in a Verizon coverage area. YES

3. Ensure iMessage is unregistered. YES

4. Ensure that airplane mode is off. YES

5. Ensure you're dialing the correct number. N/A

6. Check the available memory. DEVICE: TOTAL AVAILABLE  6.5 GB; SD CARD 34 MB

7. Power the device off and on. MULTIPLE TIMES

8. Update the device software version. TO LATEST

9. Check the device in safe mode. NO CHANGE

up until

#10. Perform a hard reset. NO. I DON'T WANT TO LOSE DATA, REALLY WANT TO AVOID

I also:

uninstalled the last app I had installed (installed at least two weeks ago).

removed back of phone and reinserted battery and SIM card

Again, I have made no change in phone, and message+ was working fine 9 hours previous. Husband has identical phone, same plan/service, and he is experiencing no problems.

[bearone21]

switch to the default messaging app