PDFmaker was unable to produce the Adobe PDF

[bertramchan]

We have a number of machines here that cannot use PDFMaker to convert Word files to PDF.

From Windows Explorer, we locate the Word file, right click on it and choose "Convert to Adobe PDF." An Adobe PDF Status window opens and we are prompted for where to "Save Adobe PDF File As." Leaving the default filename and location we click Save and the progress bar in the Adobe PDF Status window almost moves to the end but then we get this error:

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Acrobat PDFMaker

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An unexpected error occurred. PDFMaker was unable to produce the Adobe PDF.

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OK  

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Alternatively, we open Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, click on File, Create, PDF from File... and choose the Word document. A status window shows in the bottom right corner saying "Starting the application which created the selected document. Please wait..." and then it's followed by the same error:

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Acrobat PDFMaker

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An unexpected error occurred. PDFMaker was unable to produce the Adobe PDF.

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OK  

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We are using 2015 Release (Classic) Version 2015.006.30306 and Microsoft Office 365 Business version 1703 (Build 7967.2161 Click-to-Run)

[Jeanne293703363j7p]

no solutions presented have worked.  It is most frustrating and I am exploring other options that will not include adobe or microsoft.   They have both proven to be completely worthless in fixing this issue.   I have been fighting it for 6 months now.   Adobe says it is a Microsoft problem. No one from Microsoft will event get back to me about the issue.  I guess they no longer care about customer satisfaction.   Very dissatisfied!

[TallyITGuy3]

Yes that is very disappointing to hear.  I have about 20 users having this same issue.  Everyone else is fine.  I cannot isolate a single thing that is causing this issue and like you said, all of the optiosn presented here does not work.  It's very frustrating. 

[mariahweyne]

Have you tried downloading the Add-ins for Adobe. These work great for me.

 Adobe-add-ins-for-Office-365--IT-White-Paper.pdf (acrobatusers.com)

[Bevi Chagnon - PubCom.com]

@Jeanne293703363j7p , @TallyITGuy3, If using the regular update utility doesn't correct the problem, I suggest following the detailed instructions to uninstall / clean / reinstall the program described by @AkanchhaS in the post dated Oct 10, 2022. This process removes all traces of the buggy version of Acrobat and reinstalls a clean copy.

Also follow @Serene_nature15C3's instructioni to correct the registry as described.

And definitely send Adobe your logs as described. You can attach the logs to your post here (via the grey upload button below-right) and the engineers will be notified.

For an immediate fix, you can also use Microsoft's built-in export-to-pdf utility.  File / Save As (not Save) / select PDF as the file type at the next screen.

Microsoft's export utility.

[TallyITGuy3]

On the computers that are not working the pdf option isn't there when I go to Save As.  That is a huge clue but I still don't know what is causing this.

[Bevi Chagnon - PubCom.com]

That's a clue!

Can you tell us::

• Your operating system and version.
• The version of your MS Word. See instructions here to learn how to find that information: https://www.pubcom.com/blog/software-versions/index.shtml

[TallyITGuy3]

Operating system version Microsoft Windows Version 22H2 (OS Build 19045.29650

Word can save to pdf just fine, Excel is the problem so I'll put the version of Excel

Excel Version Microsoft Excel for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2208 Build 16.0.15601.20676) 64-bit

[TallyITGuy3]

Any updates ont his?  

[Bevi Chagnon - PubCom.com]

From Excel, bypass Adobe entirely and use the MS utility.

File / Export / PDF and follow the clicks from there.

[TallyITGuy3]

[TallyITGuy3]

This si what the export menu looks like ont he PC's that the PDF function is not working

[Bevi Chagnon - PubCom.com]

Your version of Word lacks the correct export utility. Should look like this:

Check with your IT department: you're using an Enterprise version of MS Office. See release notes at Update history for Microsoft 365 Apps (listed by date) - Office release notes | Microsoft Learn 

[TallyITGuy3]

That is Excel and yes we are using Office 365 Enterprise version 16.0.15601.20680

[Bevi Chagnon - PubCom.com]

That is Excel and yes we are using Office 365 Enterprise version 16.0.15601.20680

By @TallyITGuy3

You'll need to work with your IT department and find out why this option is missing from your enterprise version of Excel.

[Benton35460322m6rb · Accepted solution]

fwiw: We were having the same issue in our environment for a couple users and specific Word documents. Converting the document from .doc to .docx file format and then converting to AdobePDF worked.