🚀 go-pugleaf

I have used the Adobe Readers for years and had let it update itself to 7.08 or so.
But every time I tried to install a new application the Adobe Reader installation wizard would come up.
I needed to install an application so I removed Adobe Reader (foolishly) thinking I could just reinstall it later.
I have tried SEVERAL different approaches and can not get any versions to now function.
I have completely uninstalled it (several times), removed all files and directories, edited the registry and tried installation with a 'Clean Boot'.
It goes through the process and says that it is installed. But when I click on the shortcut, click on the application from Programs or right click and select RUN on the application file through Explorer the cursor only briefly blinks and NOTHING happens.
I have tried every version available from the ADOBE site including 8.
None of them will now work on this XP system.
Had I known about the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility I might have prevented this problem by just removing its installer so that its wizard did not ALWAYS come up. BUT I didn't.
Any ideas before I give up completely.
Thanks
James