Error applying transforms. Verify that the specified transform paths are valid. Uninstall/repair

Hi all,

I’m trying to fix an issue where all my .pdf files just show as white rectangles in Windows Explorer instead of proper PDF thumbnails.

When I try to repair, reinstall, or uninstall Adobe [Acrobat / Creative Cloud Desktop / specify the app], I get this error:

Error applying transforms. Verify that the specified transform paths are valid.

Nothing so far has helped.

What I have tried

• Repair from Programs and Features, same error

• Uninstall from Creative Cloud and from Programs and Features, same error

• Run installers as Administrator

• Sign out of Creative Cloud Desktop, quit it, sign back in

• Cleared the TEMP folder

• Disabled antivirus and Windows Defender

• Ran Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool to clean the affected app and CC Desktop

• Used Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter

System

• Windows 11 Home: 

• Affected app and version: Acrobat Pro

• Install source: Creative Cloud Desktop

Happy to attach any logs that help.

If helpful, I can also check the Windows Installer registry entries for the affected Adobe product and share what I find. But I only have basic IT knowledge, so I would need to be told step-by-step how to gather any other information.

Question
How can I get past the “Error applying transforms” problem so I can fix the missing PDF thumbnails?

Thanks in advance.