🚀 go-pugleaf

You are correct that IE is required to complete the License, so far as I can determine.
The worst case scenario is that you reinstall from the ground up. I will assume that you have a Windows XP disc and Key. If you have a Recovery Disc that came with the computer-that is OK too. Let Windows reinstall itself (possibly using Repair for the IE6 component). Your program files and data will be lost so-have everything backed up off the machine before starting. I must note that there are those who will rebuild from scratch after a period of time just to have their machines fully "cleaned up."
Uninstalling Reader 7 & 8 along with IE7 should nto be a major problem. Use Add/Remove to begin the process. Then you will want to remove ALL of the related folders and Registry entries.
WARNING-Editing the Registry is done at your own risk! Be very careful and definitely make a Backup of it and a Restore Point.
Now you will need to download IE7 and install it. Then you can download Reader 8.
Hope this helps