cannot open pdf files

[aprimondo]

Unfortunately, I cannot open my pdf files using either the pro or reader version of Acrobat. In the past, I have been able to bypass this by opening files once the app was already open, or choosing "Open with" instead of simply double clicking on the file icon, but this time the workaround isn't working. Is anybody else experiencing the same problem, and have you found a solution?

I use a Mac and am using Sonoma 14.6.1

Thank you very much in advance for any help and support

[try67]

What exactly happens when you try to open them? Is there an error message?

Also, how are you trying to open them? Double-click? Drag and drop into the application window? File - Open?

[aprimondo]

Nothing happens, no error message but files do not open (I tried many, in different folders, from different years). Double click on icon = nothing; rigth-click than "open" = nothing; right-click than "open with" selecting "Adobe Acrobat" (default)  = nothing; right-click than "open with" selecting "Adobe Acrobat Reader"  = nothing. The files are there, but I cannot open them

[nadine_3533]

I am having the same problem, I have updated, uninstalled, reinstalled acrobat as well as updating Windows.  Nothing is working so far. I can open a pdf in google chrome but thats it.   

[nadine_3533]

Pop up just appeared "A running instance of Acrobat has caused an error".  I have followed all advice for fixes on this error without success. 

[alison_1813]

Same! I see them. I click on them.  try all the ways to open a pdf that needs to be downloaded from the cloud I guess... and I get "Couldn’t communicate with a helper application." Would love a solution since I can't access my files. 

[aprimondo]

Since the problem is still unsolved, and since I don't seem to be the only person having problems opening pdf files, maybe we could get some support from Adobe, the company whose product we bought? While I appreciate the attempts and efforts by the "community",  I would like to have an answer from TECHNICAL SUPPORT at this stage

[try67]

You will need to contact them directly for that, using one of these channels:

Chat support: https://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html?rghtup=autoOpen
(make sure pop-ups are not blocked; type "Agent" to chat with a real person, or via phone, during working hours)

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdobeCare

There's no email support.

[Adept_individuality0158]

I found a solution which actually works, having thrown everything the Internet has to offer at this problem.

• Right click the Acrobat Reader icon in Start
• Select Properties
• Select Compatibility tab
• Tick Compatibility mode and select Window 8
• Click OK

Run Acrobat Reader.

(FYI I resolved this by doing the opposite of what Adobe suggested here https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/unable-to-launch-acrobat-on-windows.html)

[Lukas22400541dqqd]

If you are using Windows and tried everything in the helpcard and reinstalling, I would try:

- terminate the whole process of Acrobat via task manager and restart the application normaly.

- terminate the whole process of Acrobat via task manager and restart the applicatoin as an administrator (right click...)

- terminate the whole process of Acrobat via task manager and restart the application on Compatibility mode (win8)

[aprimondo]

I use Mac and sadly I cannot see the things you mention. Thanks for sharing, though, I hope it may help someone else. Also, I do not use Reader, I have the paid version, PRO

[aprimondo]

Thanks for sharing, but I use the PRO version on a Mac, and cannot see the things you mention. I hope someone else can benefit from your suggestions

[AnandSri]

Hello!

I hope you are doing well, and we apologize for the delayed response and the trouble.

Please see this article to set Acrobat as default PDF viewer, check the section and steps for Mac users: https://adobe.ly/4kDhCPY

Please ensure you have the latest version of Acrobat installed on the machine: 25.001.20432 Planned update, Mar 11, 2025. Check for any pending updates from the Menu > help > check for updates, install the updates, restart the app and the machine, and check. For more information, see this: https://adobe.ly/4iCwPz2

Let us know if you experience any issues.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.