this actually happened about 2 yrs ago - and i got some help from a web site called free comouter help. com - i just went back to the site and my question and the solution were stll there -

the computer guy sez:
Any idea what changed before this started happening? Did you install any "helpful" anti-spyware programs, or anything like that? Is your virus software from a reputable company, and up to date? Ditto anti-spyware?

If the answers to all of the above are satisfactory, try this: uninstall ALL Adobe software from your PC, including Acrobat Reader. If you are asked whether you want to remove any shared files, say yes to all. Having done that, reboot your PC.

Find the folder C:\Program Files\Common Files, and delete the Adobe folder you'll find there. Also delete from C:\Program Files any Adobe folders that are there.

In fact, switch on viewing hidden files and folders, then do a search for anything called "Adobe". Delete the lot. (You can send it to the Recycle Bin, if you're nervous about completely deleting it.)

The aim of all of this is to ensure that any DLLs etc. that may have been corrupted are completely removed from your computer. It might be such a lingering file that mean a simple resintall doesn't solve your problem.

Then reinstall Photoshop. Hopefully all will now be well.

all was well, and im going to try this agin - i posted it here in case i or anyone else should run in this problem again.
OoD