Windows Application Error Referenced Memory could not be written

[adminu31318584]

Hello,

I am having an issue with Adobe Acrobat Standard license when opening all PDF's. When I open the PDF's, I get the error in the attached image. I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling Adobe twice, updating Windows, rolling back the version of Adobe to DC June 2024 (24.002.20857) from DC Jul 2024 (24.002.20933), SFC, DISM, checked compatibility settings on .exe of the app, turned off protection mode in Adobe. Nothing seems to pop up in event viewer or Process monitor. Mind you, clicking OK on this pop-up does not close the application and does allow the PDF to be edited normally. Any help would be much appreciated.

The error if you can't see the picture is:

Windows - Application Error

The instruction at 0x0000000071C80670 referenced memory at 0x0000000071C80670. The memory could not be written. Click on OK to terminate the program.

[Serjical_23]

Disabling New Acrobat and uninstall/reinstall, cleanup has not worked. The only thing that has worked is running Adobe in Windows 8 compatability mode. It makes the window look a bit off if using dark theme, but it works for now as a band-aid. I am only seeing this issue on W11 machines. Hopefully Adobe comes up with a permanent fix here soon.

[sirocelot]

That Windows pop-up…

“The instruction at 0x00007FFE07CCD2D4 referenced memory at 0x0000000000000018. The memory could not be read.”

…is actually a generic access-violation inside Acrobat’s sandbox. It most often shows up when you open a PDF directly from Outlook (or another container) rather than from disk. Acrobat’s “Protected Mode” (AppContainer) or a long/odd file path can trigger the crash.

Here’s how to work around or fix it:

---

1. Quick Workaround

Save the PDF locally first (Desktop or Downloads), then open it.

2. Disable AppContainer (Protected Mode)

1. In Acrobat, go to Edit > Preferences (or click your profile icon > Preferences).

2. Select Security (Enhanced).

3. Uncheck Run in AppContainer.

4. Click OK and restart Acrobat. 

3. Compatibility Mode

1. Find your Acrobat shortcut or Acrobat.exe (Start Menu > right-click > Open file location).

2. Right-click it, choose Properties, then go to the Compatibility tab.

3. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows 8.

4. Click OK and restart Acrobat. 

4. Repair / Update Acrobat

• In Acrobat: Help > Repair Installation.

• Then Help > Check for Updates to get the latest build (64-bit recommended). 

5. Disable GPU Acceleration

In Edit > Preferences > Page Display, uncheck Use hardware acceleration and restart.

6. Rule Out Conflicts

Temporarily disable any third-party PDF-printing tools, sandboxing/VDI agents or antivirus hooks, then retry.

---

If you still see the error:

• Try another viewer (Edge/Chrome/Sumatra) to confirm the PDF itself isn’t corrupt.

• Run Windows Memory Diagnostic to rule out a hardware fault.

• Review the Event Viewer logs under Windows Logs > Application for Acrobat crash details.

[dkabala]

Still a problem July 2025. There has to be a different solution than uninstall/delete folders, REG entries/reinstall. This is crazy.

[Amal.]

Hi there,

Sorry for the trouble you're experiencing. Our engineering team is already working on this issue. While we don’t have a fixed timeline yet, we’ll keep you updated as soon as we have more information to share.

Thanks for your patience!

[Enchanted_Forest0D4D]

Please give an update.

[sirocelot]

Try my fix above, I just fixed a handful of users in my environment that way.

[Jesse5ED1]

Au 08,2025 - I tried all that was reccommend and still had the same issue. Then I also tried it again and also updated my graphics cards driver. This seemed to work for now. I will follow-up if the issue appears again. But for now, I am good. Thank God!

[anthony_6221]

Same issue here. I am unable to open PDF from anywhere in W11 without experiencing this issue. This has been going on for over a year. We pay for Adobe and we get this type of service???

[philip_3383]

is this still the only solution? I read a few comments stating that was only a temporary fix.... 

[defaultpkicwwaaj0s8]

Adobe do not seem to be motivated to address this issue, which has plagued me for over a year across 4 devices.

Jeffrey Hunter KC | Barrister at Law
[PII removed by moderator]

[jbot81]

I'm getting the same error when opening Acrobat. After dismissing the dialog box, the program functions normally.

[andrewm37318169]

I was setting up a new Windows 11 computer and received the same error.

Acrobat was installed through Creative Suite.

[fakepotatoes]

Same thing, received this error on my old laptop. I have recently bought a new one and still receiving the same error messages. SO frustrating!

[jimmy_1399]

I was able to solve this by changing compatibility mode to windows 8

[defaultpkicwwaaj0s8]

You lose a lot of functionality, though. You can’t create links to email pdf’s, for example - including via Word.

Jeffrey Hunter KC | Barrister at Law
L13, 420 George St, Brisbane, Qld 4000
t: 07 3210 6884
m: 0419 723 293
f: 07 3211 0038
e: jhunter@qldbar.asn.au