could have something to do with the os or some files in the game related to it, as Reb.Ellion stated.
i had similar problems once when switching to a new pc.
you could try following:
1. install the game from scratch, do not copy/paste any backups yet.
2. start the game, create a new profile, just to check if it works. then exit without playing.
3.from your backup, just copy/paste the folders "Vehicles", "Locations" "Sounds" and "Talent" to the GameData folder, i e.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\Automobilista\GameData.
all the data of your mods should be within these folders, leave the rest like it is.
4. copy/paste your user profile to \Users\Myname\Documents\Automobilista
also your controller folder, if you have a backup, otherwise you must assign your keys/buttons again in game.
then start the game again, and you should be able to switch to your old profile. afterwards, just delete the new one.
i always start the game from a desktop short cut, because i had strange issues with profiles when starting from steam.
worked for me that way. good luck.
btw, please excuse my bad english.