FINALLY - LACERTE TOOL HUB - i used all the Program repair tools and it did not work - with Lacerte Support (after 3 hours and getting cut off)  - called back and tried "Web Setup force " - no luck - and while I was waiting to get transferred to Advanced - I tried  "Reset Display" and - magic - both2019 and 2020 now work. Keeping my fingers crossed.  

Hope this is useful for the community and LACERTE EXPERTS !