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victoria_3957
Inspiring
November 5, 2025
Answered

Acrobat Reader cannot open pdf files from file server

  • November 5, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 453 views

Hello,

"There was a problem readinhg this document (109)". This problem only occurs on a new computer. I installed Acrobat Reader, but it can't open files from the server, only local files. Others users can open PDF files without problems.  I've already tried all the solutions I found online, but they didn't work. 

Correct answer victoria_3957

Hi there,

The error “There was a problem reading this document (109)” usually points to either a file-handling or compatibility issue, and since you mentioned this only happens on your new ARM-based laptop, that detail is important.

A few things to check:

 

1. ARM Device Compatibility

Adobe Acrobat Reader does work on Windows ARM devices, but some network handling or plug-ins used by older servers may not be fully compatible. This can cause PDFs to fail when opened directly from a server, even though they open fine locally.

2. Try downloading first

Since local files open correctly, try saving the PDF to your device first instead of opening it directly from the network drive.
If that works, the issue is likely related to: network protocols, SMB permissions, or Reader’s network integration on ARM systems.

 

Hope this information will help

~Amal


HI Amal.

I returned the computer that was giving me problems, a Snapdragon ARM. I bought an Intel and the problem was solved.

1 reply

Amal.
Community Manager
Amal.Community Manager
Community Manager
November 5, 2025

Hi there,

 

Hope you are doing well and sorry to hear about the trouble.

 

The error “There was a problem reading this document (109)” usually happens when the file gets partially downloaded or there’s a connection issue with the server. Since other users can open the same file, please try these steps:

  • Copy the file to your local computer and then try to open it in Acrobat Reader. If it works, the issue is likely related to the network or server access.
  • Check your network permissions — make sure your new computer has the same access rights to the server folder as the others.
  • Update Acrobat Reader to the latest version (Help > Check for Updates).
  • Disable Protected Mode at startup - for testing only (Preferences (Ctrl,Cmd+K) > Security (Enhanced) > uncheck “Enable Protected Mode at startup”), then restart Acrobat Reader and test again. If it works, please turn on the security and add the server location to the privileged location Ctrl,Cmd+K) > Security (Enhanced) > Priviliged location > Add File/Folder/Host.
  • If it still fails, repair the Acrobat installation- Win only  (Help > Repair Installation).

 

Let us know how it goes. 

 

~Amal

V
victoria_3957Author
Inspiring
November 5, 2025

Hi Amal.

 

Yes, the local file is working.

The user has rights access permissions on the server and can open any type of document, except PDFs, with Acrobat. The user can open PDFs on the server with a web browser.

Acrobat is updated.

I already disabled Protected Mode at startup. It's not working.

I already repaired the installation.

Nothing works.

Amal.
Community Manager
Amal.Community Manager
Community Manager
November 7, 2025

Hi there 

 

Thanks for sharing the details. As the local files are opening fine, the issue is related to the server access. If its a work computer managed by the IT team, please try to contact the It Admin at your work and see if that helps. 

 

~Amal

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