"There was an Error Launching the Adobe Help Application" in PhotoShop

Question

Hi all--
I recently bought a new computer and also Creative Suite.  However, I am unable to launch "help" in Photoshop.  Here are a few specifics:
Computer/Version/Product Specifics:
The computer is a Sager 8690, if it matters.
The product I have is CS4 Design Premium for Students. 
The type of PhotoShop I am using is PhotoShop Extended.
I am using Windows 7/64 bit.
My Attempts to Fix the Problem:
The error message suggests to "re-install the application and the Help Component."  I have attempted this, along with a re-boot, to no avail (although I did not completely uninstall the application first.)
I went to the FAQs here and saw the 11.0.1 (I think?) update for Photoshop, and so I downloaded that and re-started; again to no avail.
I searched the forum and attempted the advice of all similar threads I could find, i.e.
there is a thread that suggests this is a registry problem.  There is advice to fix this, but only for Windows XP and Vista; there is no advice for Windows 7/64 bit
there is a thread that suggests the problem is that the help files are not in the US English file, however, I checked and confirmed that my preferences/files are indeed set up for US English.
When the Problem Occurs:
The problem happens when I am in PhotoShop and I either try to hit the F1 key or I try to go to Help/PhotoShop Help (which is basically the same difference).
Possible Causes (although I don't know what to do about it)
I am wondering if perhaps the problem is that I first attemped to use Google Chrome as my internet browser?  I have since chosen Internet Explorer 8.
I see that under "Programs" there is both Internet Explorer and Internet Explorer 64 bit--not sure if perhaps part of the problem is that one is my default (don't know/don't know how to tell what this is) and PhotoShop is identifying/trying to use the other one?
I believe but don't remember for sure if I attempted to install CS4 twice--maybe that messed things up somehow?
I have two "Program Files" folders--one is called  "Program Files" and the other is called "Program Files (x86)".  I don't know what the difference between these two are.  I also don't know if it's problemmatic to have both, or which one is being used.  I did not see any "help" files in either.
Whatever any help or advice anyone can provide, I would sincerely appreciate.  I don't believe I am entitled to any free support from Adobe with my Student Edition (bought via Amazon), but I don't know how I can check that, either.  I bought/activated the product last week.

Answer 1

Thank you, Zeno!  I added the link you provided to my "favorites".  That was very helpful, thank you.  :-)
At the link you provided, there was the following instructions:
Changing the Help command/F1 default page
To change the Help command destination for all your Adobe CS4 products, choose an option:
Community Help (all adobe.com Help and support plus selected community expert content)
Help on the Web (product Help system only)
I chose the "Community Help" option.  However, when I then went to PhotoShop, I still had the same error message.
While it is nice that I have the link now and can open Explorer to access it, I would really like to be able to activate help with my F1 key. I tend to just use PhotoShop without anything else running, then if I need help I hit F1, read the fix, and close it.  I'd like to be able to do this rather than to leave Explorer open to that link all the time I'm in PhotoShop.
Can you or anyone else tell me how to get rid of this message and fix this so that when I hit F1 I get help?