Alexander: A drastic fix for a software conflict

Q: I'm unable to access the iTunes or iCloud programs on my Dell Windows 7 PC. Apple representatives who tried to help me said their efforts were blocked by a program on my PC called Revo Uninstaller, which I haven't been able to remove. What can I do?

Pat Becker, Tucson, Ariz.

A: To make sure your problem isn't caused by malicious software, run the free Malwarebytes security program (tinyurl.com/jsdacdk). For best results, opt out of trying the premium version (see tinyurl.com/lpq5fmd).

If that doesn't solve the problem, you have two options for getting rid of the Revo Uninstaller.

Option 1: Run the Windows 7 System Restore program. System Restore will return your PC settings to an earlier date, and at the same time will uninstall any program you added to your PC after that date. To use System Restore, see tinyurl.com/kxanto5, then scroll down to "How To Use System Restore in Windows 7 or Windows Vista."

Note: In order for System Restore to eliminate Revo from your PC, you must pick a restore point whose calendar date precedes the installation of the Revo program. If you don't have any restore points that go back that far, or if System Restore wasn't turned on, try option two.

Option 2: Back up all your personal PC data to an external hard drive or flash drive. Then use the Windows 7 installation disk that came with your PC to reinstall Windows on your PC.

Reinstalling Windows 7 will wipe out everything on your PC's hard disk, including Revo Uninstaller. However, it will require you to reinstall any programs you added to the PC after you bought it. You will also need to reinstall the software for any accessories, such as printers. In addition, you will need to reset your internet connection and transfer your personal data back to the PC. If all that seems daunting, a repair shop can do it.

To reinstall Windows, print out the directions at tinyurl.com/lwfddje. Ignore the section on restoring the PC to its factory settings; that won't help get rid of Revo.

Q: I download my newspaper as an Adobe Systems .pdf file, then read it with the 2015 version of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. Sometimes the Acrobat Reader program stops working and I have to close the program and start over. Is the software at fault, or is it a hardware problem?

Doug Gwost, Shoreview

A: Adobe says that Acrobat Reader DC has had problems with "intermittent crashes." To get the latest fixes for the program; click "Help" and choose "Check for Updates."

If the problem persists, Adobe offers a workaround that involves replacing the program's preferences folder. See tinyurl.com/m4dy4or and read "solution 2."