Illustrator CS2 stopped launching

Question

My OS is 32 bit Windows Vista. My CPU is a Core 2 Duo. Adobe Illustrator CS2 used to work on my computer, but now it won't launch. It also won't reinstall or uninstall.
I went to the Windows Control Panel for uninstalling programs. When I highlighted the listing for Illustrator, the "remove program" button did not appear.
I tried to replace Illustrator CS2 with the academic version of Illustrator 10. When I entered the correct registration code for Illustrator 10, I got an error message that stated the registration code I entered was incorrect. I compared the registration code on the Illustrator 10 packaging with the registration code I entered more than 10 times. There can be no doubt that I entered the correct registration code. This registration code worked in 2001.

Answer 1

benh,
This multiple issue seems rather strange. The ultimate cure might be to go back in time to a more stable condition of your computer if that is possible, or to argh reinstall everything including the OS.
To get CS2 to run again, you may try to Move the folder (follow the link with that name).
Or you may try to:
1) RightClick the shortcut;
2) Click Properties;
3) Click Compatibility;
4) Tick Run this program in Compatibility mode for, then select XP in the dropdown list;
5) Try to start.