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davej72118112
davej72118112
Participant
June 10, 2016
Answered

VBA code and adobe type library 10.0 version vs 9.0 version

  • June 10, 2016
  • 3 replies
  • 9517 views

I have some vba code that uses adobe to create and merge some pdf files. The code works fine if I use adobe type libary 9.0.

However on computers with adobe type library 10.0 (version 11 of adobe) the program fails when the following code is reached:

Set pdf_acrobat = CreateObject("AcroExch.App")

with error 429 and an error message of 'ActiveX component can't create object.

I googled around and found a different thread but I cannot find a solution other than downgrading to the previous version of acrobat 9.0.

Thanks

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Test Screen Name

Two classes of product.

1. Acrobat. Paid for. Main variants: Acrobat Pro, Acrobat Standard.

2. Reader. Free. Variants: Acrobat Reader, Adobe Reader. (So, "Acrobat Reader is not Acrobat")

In all cases, releases up to 9 and X (10) are out of support and no longer getting security patches, so some will not allow them to be installed.

Acrobat has a large API. Reader has a very small, minimal, API. The Acrobat SDK documents which product class offers which interface. Reader does not offer an API to AcroExch, the one you noted, but does register the class for some reason.

So, it sounds as if you are trying to do development without buying each desktop an Acrobat license. Think of the Acrobat SDK as a marketing tool for Acrobat, if it helps.

3 replies

T
Test Screen Name
Legend
June 13, 2016

I should also have mentioned: Acrobat has two licensing models

(a) traditional. Get a perpetual license. Crucial fixes only. Can buy an upgrade when available. May not work as systems are upgraded

(b) subscription. Includes updates, and runs ahead of the perpetual version. NB a corporate should look at volume ("team") licensing. Retail licenses are difficult to deploy in enterprise settings.

Additional relevant note: the EULA does not allow server use.

T
Test Screen NameCorrect answer
Legend
June 11, 2016

Two classes of product.

1. Acrobat. Paid for. Main variants: Acrobat Pro, Acrobat Standard.

2. Reader. Free. Variants: Acrobat Reader, Adobe Reader. (So, "Acrobat Reader is not Acrobat")

In all cases, releases up to 9 and X (10) are out of support and no longer getting security patches, so some will not allow them to be installed.

Acrobat has a large API. Reader has a very small, minimal, API. The Acrobat SDK documents which product class offers which interface. Reader does not offer an API to AcroExch, the one you noted, but does register the class for some reason.

So, it sounds as if you are trying to do development without buying each desktop an Acrobat license. Think of the Acrobat SDK as a marketing tool for Acrobat, if it helps.

davej72118112
davej72118112Author
Participant
June 13, 2016

Thanks for the detail answer regarding differences between products and the ability to access AcroExch. 

T
Test Screen Name
Legend
June 10, 2016

Be absolutely sure that you don't have Adobe Reader or Acrobat Reader on that system. It's hard to say what you have as you just call it "Adobe". Be sure you understand the difference between Reader and Acrobat.

davej72118112
davej72118112Author
Participant
June 11, 2016

This is for a large corporation. From your response I think there are licenses we need to purchase.

On a development laptop, which works automating pdf documents, I have acrobat reader dc, Adobe Acrobat 9 standard, and Adobe X reader.

At the risk of sounding naive, is the reason the vba program can automate the creation and manipulation of pdf files is because I have adobe Acrobat 9 standard on my computer?

I'm not that familiar with the adobe line of products.

Thanks,

Dave

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