Framemaker could not find Adobe PDF printer instance, which must be installed to execute Save as PDF

Hi,

The Adobe PDF printer is installed with FrameMaker or with Acrobat Standard or Professional. Not with Acrobat Reader.

This issue was discussed on this forum several times. Just search for "PDF printer" to find some threads.

Check, if these help.

And: What's your exact FrameMaker version? 17.0.x in Help | About?

Best regards, Winfried

Reader won't help you - it doesn't create PDFs. You need the Distiller that comes as part of FM. Unfortunately, there was a bug in one of the versions that missed shipping the Adobe PDF printer instance. See if this thread helps - https://community.adobe.com/t5/framemaker-discussions/framemaker-2020-can-t-find-pdf-printer-instance/m-p/12525563#M72832 
If not, contact the FM folks & they can help you restore the Adobe PDF printer. See https://helpx.adobe.com/contact/enterprise-support.other.html#framemaker for your Adobe Support options. I'd recommend using the tcssup@adobe.com e-mail address as it reaches a team dedicated to Technical Communication Suite products including FrameMaker.