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Participant
July 4, 2023
Answered

Acrobat Reader 7 won't run

  • July 4, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 1614 views

My Windows 10 is a brand new install on a Drive that was wiped.  It's being kind of stupid.  I've installed many of my application software with no problem.  But when I downoaded Acrobat Reader 7.0 (free) and installed it, the installation completed normally, but it simply won't run.  When I access the Windows programs list, Acrobat is there as expected.  I have assigned Adobe Rdr as the default program for .pdf in Windows settings. But whether I use the Widows start list, double-click a pdf, or navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader and double-click AcroRd32.exe, nothing at all happens.  there is no sign of it in Task Manager..  I'm baffled.  What's going on here?

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Abambo
quote

But when I downoaded Acrobat Reader 7.0 (free) and installed it, the installation completed normally, but it simply won't run.  


By @David30883770hdt0

Acrobat Reader is free and is distributed only from Adobe. In the old times, before general internet availability, some software distributions had a (licensed) Reader with their distribution. But that is long long ago.

 

So, some questions arise:

  • Why don't you simply download and install the latest version of Acrobat, available from the Adobe site?
  • Where did you download that stoneold Acrobat Reader 7 version? If the source of that program is dubious (what I suspect) and as you have a brand new install of Windows 10 (from a hopefully official source: Microsoft!), I would recommend to wipe the disk again and restart the install. There is nothing more dangerous (to the IT world and your bank account) than infested PCs on the internet.

3 replies

Abambo
Community Expert
AbamboCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
July 5, 2023
quote

But when I downoaded Acrobat Reader 7.0 (free) and installed it, the installation completed normally, but it simply won't run.  


By @David30883770hdt0

Acrobat Reader is free and is distributed only from Adobe. In the old times, before general internet availability, some software distributions had a (licensed) Reader with their distribution. But that is long long ago.

 

So, some questions arise:

  • Why don't you simply download and install the latest version of Acrobat, available from the Adobe site?
  • Where did you download that stoneold Acrobat Reader 7 version? If the source of that program is dubious (what I suspect) and as you have a brand new install of Windows 10 (from a hopefully official source: Microsoft!), I would recommend to wipe the disk again and restart the install. There is nothing more dangerous (to the IT world and your bank account) than infested PCs on the internet.
ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
Participant
July 5, 2023

My apologies to all.  I'm not easily fooled, but whatever this was, it sure looked like genuine Adobe.  Very effectively spoofed the Adobe website and the installable looked like genuine Acrobat Reader.  I've uninstalled it and deleted the source files.  Installling the real thing now.

  - David

JR Boulay
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 5, 2023

Reader 7 has long been unavailable from the Adobe website.
Never use applications downloaded from pirate sites, as they are usually corrupted.

Acrobate du PDF, InDesigner et Photoshopographe
Bernd Alheit
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 5, 2023

Install and use Acrobat Reader DC.