PSE2018 Photomerge issue

So I have been using guided-photomerge-panorama a lot using "reposition" function. Works very well.

Today I used the option to "auto panorama". Using this option causes photomerge to go thru its routines for a while, I see the untitled panorama screen pop up for a second, then the interface resets to the guided edits selection screen. Nothing shows up in the expert mode. Failed.

Using the panorama-reposition mode with the "correct geometric distortion" option checked results in the same brief flash of completed result, then nothing. Also fail.

So for me auto panorama does not work, all the other panorama modes work, UNLESS correct geometric distortion is checked.

Does anyone have a clue as to the cause or cure, or has a similar experience?

Thanks