Acrobat and PDF's won't launch

[DonnieWeaver]

Acrobat will only launch with admin privileges. I cannot open it otherwise. PDF's will not open unless I launch Acrobat, w/ admin privileges, and do file / open to the PDF.

I've tried Acrobat / Menu / Help / Repair installation. Reboot after, but does not fix.

I've uninstalled Acrobat, reboot, reinstalled, but does not fix.

I've uninstalled Acrobat, ran the AdobeAcroCleaner_DC2021.exe, reboot, reinstalled, but does not fix.

Windows 10, OS fully updated, Creative Cloud and all other Adobe apps are up to date.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

[mikeg51760545]

I'm starting to see this among some of our users as well, including those licensed for Acrobat Pro.

[DonnieWeaver]

I read elsewhere someone mention this Acrobat error can run parallel to error 0x80070643 in Windows Update. I see the same, that update won't complete, and results in error 0x80070643. Perhaps coincidence, or related. Not sure. According to Microsoft this Windows error is know and a fix is in the works, but no idea when.

[Abambo]

I've uninstalled Acrobat, ran the AdobeAcroCleaner_DC2021.exe, reboot, reinstalled, but does not fix.

By @DonnieWeaver

That's what I would have suggested. What is the exact Acrobat version, and the exact OS version?

[DonnieWeaver]

Adobe Acrobat Pro - v2024.002.20687 | 64 bit
Windows 10 Pro - v22H2 - OS build 19045.4291

[mikeg51760545]

For licensed Acrobar Pro Users, they have to sign into their Adobe account and set up Multi-Factor Authentication. That fixes the problem for them (a couple had to change their passwords for Adobe as well).

For the Reader users, we still haven't found a fix, as these users are using Reader in a Microsoft RDS environment, and do NOT have Adobe Accounts.

[DonnieWeaver]

Two-step verification has already been setup long ago on this account.  My account does not use the terminology "Multi-Factor Authentication", but rather "Two-step verification". Same thing.

[Becky37502018edeh]

Having this issue, too. Very frustrating.

[DonnieWeaver]

I wanted to update this, as the issue is apparently fixed for me.  Last night I launched Lightroom and was prompted to update my Adobe password due to the length of time passed since it was last changed. Later, out of habit, I double clicked a PDF and it opened.  I tested several more, and they worked.  So, in my case, apparently what (mikeg51760545) mentioned above regarding changing the Adobe password, fixed the issue. Very weird, but hopefully this will help others experiencing the same frustration with opening PDF's. Cheers!

[DonnieWeaver]

Today this issue is back, cannot open PDF's.  Acrobat will only launch with admin privileges. I cannot open it otherwise. PDF's will not open unless I launch Acrobat, w/ admin privileges, and do file / open to the PDF.  Another password change had no effect on the issue. C'mon Adobe.....you've been making software over 30 years. Pathetic.

[Charlie31532384lms9]

DId this ever get sorted for you? One of my users is having the same issue & I can't find a fix for it

[DonnieWeaver]

Nope, gave up. Uninstalled Acrobat and installed the free PDF24 which has worked flawlessly as a replacement. 

[Charlie31532384lms9]

I managed to find a fix if you would like to give it a go. I ran this command on the machine in an unelevated cmd:
reg add "HKCU\Software\Adobe\Adobe Acrobat\DC\Privileged" /v bProtectedMode /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
This just sets the protected mode setting in the Acrobat application to be turned off without having to launch it.

[N0madS0uL]

Hi, I am looking for this registery entry but can't seem to find it, is it possible for you to create the registery entry as a standalone file to run and share it? I am still at a loss with this issue.

[Charlie31532384lms9]

Hello

I can't do that as it was a user that I support in an organization, but it could be an issue if you are not launching regedit as the user who installed Adobe Acrobat

[N0madS0uL]

Hi, no worries and thanks for the reply anyway. I did manage to resolve this issue, though honeslty not 100% how, but what I did was I launched regedit and searched for all adobe references and simply deleted what I could. I then ran the AdobeCreativeCloudCleanerTool and cleared all. I then tried to install again but had an issue with the installation failing "error 1923, "Verify that you have sufficient privileges to install system services," often arises when a file is in use, a previous uninstall was incomplete, or there are issues with the Windows Installer service"

I then found a command on an adobe help page to force stop and delete the one adobe service.

• To stop the Adobe ARM service, write the following command, and press Enter.
  sc.exe stop AdobeARMservice
• To delete the Adobe ARM service, write the following command, and press Enter.
  sc.exe delete AdobeARMservice
• Delete the remaining files from the Adobe update service folder. Type the following command, and press Enter. del "%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\"

I tried to install again and this time it completed and launches normally and fine and opens all my documentes with double click. I rebooted the PC and it still works so I think its resolved *knock on wood

[kim_4297]

doesn't work for me.

any other solutions ?

[sharp_Lily0954]

the same is now happening to me, I have followed all Donnie's steps..... is there a soluton?

[DonnieWeaver]

I ditched Adobe Acrobat entirely....amazing after 35 years they still can't make reliable software. I now use the free PDF24  and it does everything I ever needed in acrobat with ease....zero issues. Give it a try.

[Tariq Ahmad]

Hi @sharp_Lily0954, 

Sorry for the troubled experience, and thank you for reaching out.

Would you mind elaborating on what is happening at your end, and have you tried the following: 

1. Have you tried reinstalling the app?

2. Have you tried creating a new user profile to check if Acrobat is launching or not?

If you are using a Windows machine, close Acrobat, and check Task Manager to see if Acrobat is running. 

Press the Windows key on the keyboard, search "Acrobat Distiller." If this launches, keep it running for a minute or two. And then try to launch Acrobat.

Please ensure your copy of Adobe Acrobat is updated. To check for any pending updates, launch Acrobat > Help > Check For Updates.

If you are still experiencing the issue, help us with the following details:

1. Acrobat version installed:   https://adobe.ly/3PQQ7nE
2. OS name and version.
3. Screen recording showing the problem. 
4. Is your machine a personal one or an office (IT-managed)

Let us know how it works.

Best regards,
Tariq | Adobe Community Team

[sharp_Lily0954]

Greetings Tariq

I was unable to open any pdf's, only doing so by running as administrator.

I tried all that you suggested with no success.

After repairing, removing and reloading, all with no success.

I followed the instructions disabling/ deleting the AdobeARMservice......

sc.exe stop AdobeARMservice....and then
sc.exe delete AdobeARMservice

I then turned my computer off and rebooted, then went to adobe and updated.

All now working well.

Thanks for your enquiry

[sharp_Lily0954]

Follow what I did and see whether you have any success