sql server connection configuration window won't open, PBI crashes

Can't understand this one. Would love some help... 

I upgraded to the last July version of Power Bi desktop yesterday.  Now when I try to add a SQL server connection to a data model to pull data, the usual window that's supposed to come up doesn't :

instead what happens is that PBI desktop freezes, and nothing can bring it back. I then have to end the task manually. 

I realized I have the same exact problem for some type of data sources : 

• folder
• web
• analysis services
• Azure sql

Some work fine tough: 

• excel
• csv
• text
• JSON

Is seems as if only those opening a file browser works, whereas  those type of data sources that need some configuration done in a popup window are unavaible to me and crashes PBI desktop. 

Here is what I tried : 

=> start from a brand .pbix file (didn't work)

=> I rebooted my machine  (didn't work)

=> I uninstalled PBI desktop, and reinstalled it (didn't work)

=> I checked for updates on Windows Update (I'm up to date)

My Windows edition is Windows Server 2012 Datacenter, 64 bits (inside a VMware)

I'm out of ideas to try to fix it...  anyone ?