crashed. cannot create pdf from word hung on secured document when redistilling

when I try to convert a word doc to pdf using Adobe standard it does nothing.  Error code says

"1 document waiting.  Adobe pdf converter"

This first arose when I tried to print a secured document.  I have removed that document from the "recent" menu and from the hard drive altogether.  Did not help.

Now I cannot even use a different word to pdf converter; it shows this error: 

%%[ ProductName: GPL Ghostscript ]%%
This PostScript file was created from an encrypted PDF file.
Redistilling encrypted PDF is not permitted.
%%[ Error: undefined; OffendingCommand: eexec ]%%

GhostScript Error 1
Error, no PDF file produced! (False)

So I cannot use pdf on this computer.  Looking for ideas about what to do.

I already removed the "encrypted file" from my hard drive, but when I try to print from the other word-to-pdf converter, it prepopulates the "save as" line with the name of the secured document.

Uninstall Adobe? 

Thanks.