Unable to install Adobe Reader 8.1.0.

Personally, I just use foxit reader.... www.foxit.com

http://www.foxitsoftware.com/downloads/

faster quicker cleaner

I remember the last time, I encountered the adobe install issue, I had to do some registry deletions, howver don't remember them off hand.  

Sorry couldn't be more help...

Try running a registry cleaner - such as Registry Mechanic http://www.pctools.com/registry-mechanic/ - and delete the offending entries - remember to export your registry (i.e. create a backup) before you make any changes.

Have Run Registry Mechanic without any change to this problem

Note: In Program files Adobe 7.0 still exists.  Double clicking to open it  then leaving it open while doing a search for a .pdf file and clicking on the search result actually enabled me to open and print a .pdf file which was a Eudora attachment.  Clicking on the attachment alone (normal procedure)produces an "Invalid menu handle"

Opened Adobe 7.0 by double clcking its Icon in Program Files. It offered to update 7.0 to 7.0.9 so I agreed.  Now I have Acrobat 7.0.9 installed on a separate line in Add/Delete programs and automatically operative when I click on and .pdf file.  So I am back to where I can read incoming .pdf fles.  The Adobe  v 8.0.1 is also listed as an Add/Delete program wbut does not work as noted in initial question.

Try downloading and installing 8.1 from here: http://ardownload.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/win/8.x/8.1/enu/AdbeRdr810_en_US.exe

This is the full download (22Mb) - and might help...

Dear "and235100",

I thought that was a good idea and particularly since I could pick the location for the download. I carefully picked a new folder in the C:; drive.   As the 22MB download was essentially instantaneous, I'm guessing it just created a shortcut to the previous download and the results were the same. Choosing Repair ends with "ERROR 1327 Invalid Drive F". Chooosing Remove 8.1.0  ends with with "ERROR 2753. UPDATER.API_non_opt" If I could get rid of (completely wipe out) the Download that is already in my computer then I think your solution will work.  Do you know how to do that?  Isn't that download a temp file.  Can i just eliminate all temp files?

I think the Drive F: identification comes from the first time when Adode broke into some work I was doing to repair/create the 2 disk RAID drive one of which was a disk F:  I was paused in my work and Adobe said "hey don't you want to upgrade-just push the button". I said OK.  Adobe must have found  F; as the main drive and told the download don't use C: use F: now with F: non existent, I can neither get to install nor delete.  

Try using CCleaner: www.ccleaner.com/download/ to get rid of any unnecessary files...

Tried using CCleaner as I thought it might nbe quicker and safer than hand deleting items in the registry. However, while CCleaner did remove a number of items e.g. all my automatic signons, it did notheing to allow install  Adobe Reader 8.1.0.  Still receiving the same ErroR message following the CC cleaning. Error 1327 Invalid Drive F:\  

Presently, since I have Adobe reader 7 now functioning (see my meeage of 6-22-2007 8:44AM) I am going to leave thaings as they are until I better understand what to delete in the registry. I' concerned that I delete Adobe 7 as well as remnats of 8.1.0 and then have nothing that works.

Giving the points to McKnife even though his solution to enter the registry and delete all entries related to Adobe reader was not acually tried and successful.  In my present environment I have Adobe Reader 7 functioning automatically and am able to read the Adobe files sent me.  At some future point I'll have to reformat the hard drive(s) for someother reason and then I'll upgrade to Adobe Reader 8. I juadge this fpreferable to hand deleting all Adobe Reader references as I am also running Adobe Photoshop Elements and  separating Adobe Reader from Elements sounds like a high risk of error.
Thanks to all for your help and patience.

To be careful with the registry is always good, but why shouldn't you remove entries that a reinstallation will rewrite? Just for a test, search for "adobe" and you will easily see (if you look at the path they are in) what belongs to the readers.
But if 7 is alright with you, don't bother.

I have had the same issue for a week on a client's computer and finally have resolved it.

Go to Control Panel, Add remove programs and check the list for "Windows Installer".
If it is there good. Update it. If it isn't as was the case with mine aaftre3 a virus infection, download the latest from here http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=889482FC-5F56-4A38-B838-DE776FD4138C&displaylang=en and see how that goes.