Adobe Reader Stopped Working, Says Already Installed, But It Is Not Listed In Programs

Question

I am working on an HP Laptop running Windows 7.  Adobe Reader stopped working. How do I get the Reader to work again so I may read PDFs?  I tried to re-install it.  I ran a simple uninstall through "Programs" from the Control Panel then went to the Adobe Reader website and downloaded and installed the program.  I received a message that it did not successfully install because a newer version was already installed.  I checked the troubleshooting page and went through several steps.  I downloaded and ran the Cleaner.  I checked my computer and could not find any folder or listing for Adobe Reader.  I again went to the website and downloaded and installed the Reader.  I received the same message that a newer version is already installed and that Reader did not install successfully.  I have tried downloading it using Mozilla Firefox, Chrome and Internet Explorer and get the same outcome.  With each step I restart the computer.  These are the same steps stated in answer to similar questions in the forums.  Any other Ideas?

janicem13386074 · Answer

I downloaded and tried to install it again. Now there are folders for Adobe Reader, but no program listed and none of the folders contain a means to open the program. I ran the cleaner program which gives me a message that it cannot find Adobe Reader files. I ran it anyway. The Adobe Acrobat Reader folders still show. My work is at a standstill with most of my documents in PDF format. I have deadlines looming and need help fast.

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