🚀 go-pugleaf

Once again there is another case of something going wrong with the install. I assume you have WIN XP w/SP2 for this discussion. Since the Add/Remove Programs did not work, try using the MS Windows Cleanup utility. It is evident from the number of message threads that Adobe bumbled the Reader 8 setup. You may also be forced to manually uninstall the Reader 7.0.8 and earlier version folders. This is not the end however. One can hope that his does it for you. If not, then there are several things you can try before editing the Registry. I recommend using Crap Cleaner (it's FREE) along with Ashampoo's WinOptimizer (Free trial-but worth the price IMO). If these fail to get everything that needs to go-then you need to go deeper. Whatever you do-make a backup of the Registry and a Restore Point.
WARNING-editing the Registry is Dangerous. You do so at your own risk!
I do not suggest this lightly. It is a last alternative. You will only remove the Adobe references that you can find easily. Be very careful.

Now you should have a "clean" platform to install on, as it relates to Adobe Reader. The file you want is 20.8 megs in size and will NOT include the Photoshop offer. Download it to a folder on your drive and run it from there. Good luck