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?