also posted in discord - from console:

Error: Could not find or load main class @libraries.net.minecraftforge.forge.1.17.1-37.0.109.win_args.txt
(confusing as file is present in referenced location and all files referenced in txt doc present as well)
running on vsphere esxi vmware 6.7.0
Host:
Windows 10 Pro
Latest Java for PC
32gb ram
256 hd

confirmed user account and administrator account has full permissions to all folder and files

#55