ok... on to the 2nd best answer...

start with uninstalling ALL ADOBE APPS, if they're still on your system using add/remove programs from the control panel. including reader and flash, etc.

then delete the adobe folder in c:\program files. then delete the HIDDEN folder C:\Documents and Settings\yourUserName\Application Data\Adobe

(that's the xp path, you'll need to work out the vista path for user data)

again in xp, not sure how to do this in vista, but you can eitehr figure it out, or someone can post the procedure -- to view/access hidden/system files and folders, open windows explorer, click tool> folder options> view and UNCHECK hide protected os files and select "show hidden files and folders". that'll get you the ability to see the application data folder. delete it.

if you have a registry cleaner, now's the time to run it. pull everything "Adobe" and photoshop related from the registry. registry mechanic is 30 bux for 3 systems. might be a good investment (i'm not affiliated with them):
< http://www.pctools.com/registry-mechanic/?ref=google_1000&am p;gclid=CPySirTf4ZYCFRoSFQodczCKOA>

then run check disk on your drive. right click the drive in explorer. select properties> tools. select "error checking". click "check now". CHECK THE BOXES FOR "auto fix file system errors" and "scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors".

that may require a reboot and could take a while if it starts to find problems on the disk. depending on disk size and health, a 250 gig, HEALTHY drive should take about an hour to run on a good core2duo (or similar amd) system.

once you're back up, go here and redownload the script:

< http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=kb 402767&sliceId=2>

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR IT ON THAT PAGE FIRST!

especially:

Note: Level 3 is a hidden option and thus is not listed in the main interface. To access Level 3 just type "3"( without quotes) when prompted for the level.

given your problems, i'd run it at level 2 first, reboot and immediately run it at level 3.

again... READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND FOLLOW THEM FULLY BEFORE RUNNING THE SCRIPT.

then redownlaod the latest versions of flash and adobe reader from adobe.com. install them first. reboot if necessary.

THEN reinstall photoshop.

if all this doesn't work, you're looking at a reformat. sorry.

C_Craw

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