Combine multiple file pdf function stops at CHECKING FOR SECURITY SETTINGS (Mac OS Ventura 13.2.1)

I have a subscription to the full Creative Cloud Suite. On 4/15/2023,  Acrobat automatically updated to v. 2023.001.20143 (Mac OS Ventura 13.2.1). 

Since the new upload, I can't create a pdf using the "combine multiple files into a single pdf" function. 

The app stops at "CHECKING FOR SECURITY SETTINGS" and the spinning rainbow wheel appears on the screen. Have to force quit the application. I've attached a screenshot taken with my phone because Apple's spinning wheel is invisible using the shift+command+3 screenshot shortcut. (Screenshot attached).

Was on the phone with Adobe tech support for several hours, uninstalling, reinstalling. It takes at least one hour to download the 1.1GB file, because of our slow DSL in a remote rural area of California. Slow DSL is why we cannot use any cloud-based storage—workflow slows to a snail's pace.  

The Adobe tech provided a workaround which was to create the file on the cloud. A short-term solution, but not practical for creating a 496 pp print book on the cloud with an upload speed of 0.45 Mbps and a download speed of 3.80 Mbps (Screenshot attached).  

Adobe and I were on the phone simultaneously with Apple support, but this issue has nothing to do with their settings. It is an Adobe issue.  A directory, a buried permission or file?

Thinking there was possibly a conflict, the tech removed my last standalone (and stable) version of Adobe Acrobat. I was able to reinstall and use...thankfully.  

Suggestions appreciated and thanks in advance.