AE can only load as a render engine, main screen is all greyed out

[jeremyc3600351]

Hi, just updated AE to 17.6 and I can only open AE 2020 and 2019 as a render engine. I've read online that this could be due to opening the render engine version. I've found the directory and even when I click on the non render engine version, it is still opening a render engine version. See some screen grabs below. Anyone can help?

[Mylenium]

Start by checking your user account in the CC app and on the web site. In case of doubt, sign out and deactivate, then sign in again. Usually this odd behavior simply boils down to that - AE thinks it's unlicensed for whatever reason.

Mylenium

[jeremyc3600351]

Hiya, tried signing in and out several times but the issue remains. Only can open render engine version

[Rick Gerard]

This might be a dumb question but are you trying to open AE from the Programs folder?

[jeremyc3600351]

So far, I've tried opening from creative cloud, from the start menu and programs folder. 

[Prema_b]

adobe has a help page on this. there may be a text file in your documents folder you need to delete to stop it automatically launching the render version. Check on the adobe page, their solution worked for me when i had the same issue.