Reader 9.3 windows 7 crashes when it opens

Question

This may have been solved before, but here are the steps i took, and nothing worked:
checked for any malware (none found);
checked for updated drivers (all drivers up to date);
ran a RAM check;
fixed registry errors
did a full system scan under AVG
uninstalled Reader 9.3, removed all files (in user\AppData\Local\Adobe and under program files), reinstalled Reader 9.3 (twice)
My system is a brand new Dell Inspiron, running Windows 7 (64 bit), with 4Gb RAM and a Pentium Dual Core. It should have no problem running Reader 9.3.2, but I can't get it to even show a startup splash, let alone open pdf files (either in browser, or stored locally).
I keep getting the same error message:
Problem signature:
  Problem Event Name: BEX
  Application Name: AcroRd32.exe
  Application Version: 9.3.0.148
  Application Timestamp: 4b309800
  Fault Module Name: AcroForm (1).api_unloaded
  Fault Module Version: 0.0.0.0
  Fault Module Timestamp: 4bb80bbb
  Exception Offset: 674ea9aa
  Exception Code: c0000005
  Exception Data: 00000008
  OS Version: 6.1.7600.2.0.0.768.3
  Locale ID: 1033
  Additional Information 1: 0a9e
  Additional Information 2: 0a9e372d3b4ad19135b953a78882e789
  Additional Information 3: 0a9e
  Additional Information 4: 0a9e372d3b4ad19135b953a78882e789
I am wondering if this isn't a windows 7 thing, more than a Reader 9.3 thing. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

David,
The folder that needs to be modified is actually C:\Documents and Settings\<username> not C:\Users\<username>
If you follow the instructions you might have some success with running v9 in Windows 7.
We have been using windows 7 here at IOOF with adobe 9.3.x ever since I found this fix with absoloutely no issues at all.
You will need to unhide the system files etc via Tools > Folder Options > View and then
Untick Hide protected operating system files and also select Show hidden files, folders and drives.
Hope this helps.