Adobe Acrobat DC has encountered an unknown error.

[Guest]

Receive this error when trying to Edit PDF's.

Adobe Acrobat DC Pro is set as default.

Using Windows 10 and 7, same error.

Have ran updates and repairs on the program.

[Guest · Accepted solution]

Solved this issue.

We were opening older versions of Adobe PDF's, which threw the error.

Going into Tools/Optimize/and change the compatibility setting.

Hopefully this can help others with the same error.

[jeffd76614107]

We are experiencing the same problem here - However, I did change the settings, but it did not correct the problem.  We are all on the Cloud version of Adobe, so it's the latest update.

What version setting doe it need to be modified to?

[randy111370]

What is the compatibility setting?

[jessica0623 · Accepted solution]

I have a long solution.....I opened the pdf file with Adobe, then export save as "word document". I open word document file, by the way its easier to edit in word, then safe it as a PDF file again and bam! now you can EDIT PDF in Adobe cathym88086221​ jeffd76614107​ P.S I tried the tools and configuring too, but it didn't work

[tracytanya]

This worked perfectly for me - thank you for sharing!

[lourice5E8A]

i can't export it as word since im not subscribed to pro do you have any workaround? this app is useless if i cannot even edit and sign on my doc. thankyou

[Mary32399170i0s2]

This worked for me too. Thank you!

[randy111370]

I downloaded Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and I keep getting an unknown error.  I have tried every instruction I can find on this error.  I am using Windows 7 Pro.  Please help ASAP

[sharonr80966481 · Accepted solution]

I kept having this problem and found a solution myself. I assumed it had to do something with the compatibility settings for the original document so I opened that document in a freebie PDF editor that has very little capability but it let me save the document to be compatible with PDF 1.5 and above. Once I've been opened that document back up in Adobe, everything was fine.

[Dave-37379]

I just yesterday updated the Adobe DC app, now I can't edit pdf's because it throws an unknown error.  I deleted the app and reloaded it which did absolutely no good.  This app is worthless to me if I can't use the edit function. 

Note, before the update everything was going fine in Adobe DC. 

[PixelGrinch]

Yeah they upped the requirements of the Adobe PDF Format.

I downloaded a statement, wanted to edit it and it gave me the same useless error message.

I am on a Mac, opened the PDF in the Preview app and saved it as a PDF without changing anything within the document.

I opened it in Adobe CC again and now I can edit it. Looks like the Mac Preview app converted it into a newer PDF version.

I find it pretty disappointing from Adobe to just change the requirements for the PDF file in order to edit it. And the error message not giving any specific details is just as bad.

This is the exact reason why I hate subscriptions. They update their stuff without any regards to the paying enduser, as long as it fits in their vision.

At least with a proprietary license (which they don't offer anymore) you for one keep the copy forever and it doesn't suddenly updates itself and cripples your workflow.

[aliciap7063054]

Hi.  I've been having the same issue.  Is there any solution to usuing Acrobat DC?  If not, how to I download an older version?

[testarosa · Accepted solution]

Yes there is a solution and here it is (in Mac):

First open your pdf document in acrobat DC. (obviously it should not be signed document which prevents it from being editable)

Once you open your document you will have the error the moment you click edit...Right?

What you need to do then is: EXPORT PDF from the tool tab.

it will give you options you need to click the link of "More Formats"

Then you choose: " Post Script", save it to your desktop or document folder.

Now close your PDF document and keep the acrobat DC open.

Click from the tool tab "Create PDF"

You will choose the file you just created with the extension .PS (stands for post script).

Once you do that you will have the PDF created, save it under a different name so you do not overwrite your original document.

Then open this new PDF in acrobat DC and VOILA ....YOu will be able to edit it.

[thoughtsarefree]

Thanks! 2021 and I'm still getting the same error. This worked for me on Windows 10

[Kristina37965006q1cw]

This didn't work. I have tried all solutions. I have never had any issues till today.

[ChrisLeicester]

Yes, I'm getting the same problem in the last few days, and since the main reason for subscribing to Adobe is for Acrobat, this really is a showstopper. It seems that whenever anyone asks a question about editing or signing a document, Adobe's "solution" is to tell users to convert to MS Word and do it there. Admittedly, that does work, but it does make me wonder what we're paying for if the solution is to use a rival software company's product to achieve what's needed.

[Gus1231]

I had the same error message: "Unknown Error". I would click through it and eventually it would say "Out of Memory". Tried all the tricks found on the message boards, like deleting the temporary files. I ended up having to uninstall Adobe Acrobat DC Pro and reinstalling. 

[x5FAC]

try this version

ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/win/AcrobatDC/1901020099/AcroRdrDC1901020099_en_US.exe

[Kristina37965006q1cw]

None of the solutions worked for me. I ended up sending the document to my personal computer and was able to edit without any issues. I also tried to install my old printer and wonder if that had to do anything with it, since I started having issues right after.

[Rachel346051609ypx]

I've also had this problem at work using the app version. The only way I've been able to edit is by opening the pdf in the browser version, making the changes, then re-downloading the doc again, which is cumbersome. There seems to be no solid cause to explain why the edit function doesn't work in the app - I agree that the main reason to pay for Acrobat Pro is so that you can easily edit pdfs.

[Amal.]

Hi there,

Hope you are doing well.

What happens when you try to edit the PDF file? Do you get any error message, If yes, please share the screenshot of the same for more clarity.

What is the version of the OS and the Acrobat DC you are using? To check the version go to Help > About Acrobat and make sure you have the recent version 24.02.20857 installed. Go to Help > Check for updates and reboot the computer once.
 
Also try to repair the installation from the help menu (Win Only) and see if that works.
 
Please try to reset the Acrobat preferences as described here (https://adobe.ly/3xBQoWb) and see if that works.

~Amal