Acrobat Reader - "Running instance of Acrobat Caused an Error"

[ben_6949]

Hello

I have downloaded Acrobat Reader from the below link:

https://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/

When I try and open a PDF (I have tried numerous PDFs from numerous sources), I get this error:

"Running instance of Acrobat Caused an Error"

I have numerous times uninstalled and re-installed, but continue to get the same issue.

I am using Windows 11 and ESET antivirus.  Some comments I have seen online suggest that it can be related to antivirus.  ( temporary disabled all aspects of ESET, but still had the same error), 

Are Adobe still allowing us to use Adobe Reader, or has this been turned off in favour of Creative Cloud?

Any ideas?

(I specifically need Adobe Reader rather than another brand, as am trying to print a booklet, which I understand is a feature unique to Adobe Reader.  If anyone can recommend another product to try, I can do that)

[ben_6949]

[AnandSri · Accepted solution]

Hello Ben!

I hope you're doing well, and we apologize for the delayed response and the trouble. Please try the suggestion and the solution from the following article and let us know how it goes: https://adobe.ly/4hUZnTP

Please ensure you restart the machine before and after trying the solution.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.

[louise_5442]

I have the same problem and have triede every solution on this page: 

https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/failed-to-connect-to-dde-server.html

Absolutely nothing helped - What do I do??

Do I have to switch to a paid version for it to work again??

[CandidlySmith]

Louise_5442:  the paid version has the exact same problem!!  As of August 22, 2025, there has been no new info. I'm trying to confirm that Registry Edit is my only solution--in which case I will have to pay someone to do it because I will not fiddle with my computer registry unaided.

[Meenakshi Negi]

Hi CandidlySmith,

Thank you for reaching out, and sorry about the trouble.

As you are experiencing the same issue and have tried the troubleshooting steps mentioned earlier here, please try reinstalling the application using the steps and from the link provided below:
- Remove the application and run the cleaner tool (https://adobe.ly/4oPt0Kk).
- Reboot the machine
- Install Adobe Acrobat Reader from the following page: https://adobe.ly/47H9JEL;

If you still experience the behavior, let us know.

Thanks,

Meenakshi

[CandidlySmith]

I do not use Adobe Reader.

I currently have a paid subscription to ADOBE ACROBAT.

If I uninstall Adobe Acrobat app from my PC, will I have to buy a new subscription and pay a second time so that I can re-install the app?

Thank you.

[AnandSri · Accepted solution]

Hello @CandidlySmith

I hope you are doing well, and thanks for reaching out.

Since you already have a paid subscription to Adobe Acrobat, you can reinstall the app at any time using your existing Adobe ID. Your subscription is tied to your account—not the device—so uninstalling and reinstalling will not affect your billing or access. You can download the Acrobat from the officla website: https://adobe.ly/4lJlLkz

Use the Adobe ID (email) to sign in and to complete the activation process.

Let us know if you experience any issues.

Thanks,
Anand Sri | Acrobat Community Team
Meet Acrobat Studio

[cate7696]

I have the same issue and I am using the paid version, this is a huge problem

[AnandSri · Accepted solution]

Hello Brett!

I hope you're doing well. We apologize for the delayed response and any inconvenience caused. Have you tried the steps mentioned in this article? Failed to connect to DDE server.

If the issue persists, please restart your machine, then use the Acrobat Cleaner Tool to remove the installed app. After that, restart your machine again and reinstall Acrobat Reader.

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.

[AnandSri]

Hello Brett!

I hope you're doing well. We apologize for the delayed response and any inconvenience caused. Have you tried the steps mentioned in this article? Failed to connect to DDE server.

If the issue persists, please restart your machine, then use the Acrobat Cleaner Tool to remove the installed app. After that, restart your machine again and reinstall Acrobat Reader.

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.

[brett_9177]

I have been having this issue for over a week now and the above solution did not work. Any other bright ideas Adobe?

I thought Acrobat was meant to improve workflow - so far it's come to a complete halt.

[JR Boulay]

[MOVED TO THE ACROBAT READER DISCUSSIONS]