How to Manually Uninstall Adobe Reader 8

It is a simple task to uninstall Adobe Reader 8 manually.

You will need to use Adobe Reader software if you want to read PDF documents. If you want to download a new version of Adobe Reader, your Adobe 8 version must be uninstalled first. Due to some irregularities with the software, the common uninstaller process doesn't remove all of the files. Fortunately, you can completely uninstall Adobe Reader 8 from your computer by performing a manual uninstall.

Instructions

1. You will need to change the Windows settings to show all hidden folders and files. To make this change, go to "My Computer," then the "Tools" menu at the top of the screen. Next, click on "Folder Options" and select the "View" tab. Locate and click the heading called "Show Hidden Files and Folders."

2. Complete the normal uninstall procedure. Click on "Start" in the lower-left corner of your screen, then click "Control Panel" and "Add/Remove Programs." Choose Adobe Reader and then select "Uninstall." To complete the process, continue and complete the prompts that are displayed. You will notice that the program no longer appears on your program list. However, some system files will remain in your operating system.

3. Press "Ctrl," "Alt" and "Del" on your keyboard at the same time and then open the menu titled "File" and choose the "New Task" option. In the dialog box shown, type "cmd" and click "OK." Because you are accessing a system diagnostic mode, the desktop will disappear, which is normal. Minimize the Task Manager and click on top of the new window to select the text box.

4. Enter "cd C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX" into the text box and select "Enter." To remove any remaining system files, type "del AcroIEHelper.dll" and click "Enter." Type "del pdfshell.dll," click "Enter" and then type "exit." Lastly, click "Enter" and the new window will close.

5. Enlarge the Task Manager and choose "New Task" from the File menu. Type in "explorer.exe" then click "OK." The restored desktop will reappear and all of the remaining Adobe Reader files will be completely removed.

References

• Adobe: Problems Unistalling Adobe Reader