Thanks JOe:

Before I do that test: Post Catalina, I getting bunch of issue on desktop not seeing on laptop:

word/ Excel: command N, not bring up new document.

Per Microsoft advice: I booted into Safe Mode, and issue went away.

(but I don't know why)

other issues:

Photoshop dekstop: wont import old preferences from previous version. Does import those ok on laptop

Parallels: wont drag items from Mac finder (that said not sure post catalina issue or normal issue yet)

Application wizard, asking for registration upon reboot (though getting that same issue from A text on laptop-- post catalina also

So real biggie is the Word/ Excel issue on dektop and weird thump sound issue..

And Word / Excel does not open document command N, which goes away in safe mode. Any idea why?