Adobe reader cannot open in protected mode due to an incompatability with your system configuration.

[cheryl3420]

How do I remove this and get the progam working again?

[pwillener]

Can you open Adobe Reader by itself?  If so, try disabling Protected Mode [Edit | Preferences | Security (Enhanced)].

If not, tell us your operating system and Reader version.

[cheryl3420]

I wasn't sure how to reply back through the website. I am using Adobe

Reader XI. The message thay I get when I try to open the progrqm is

Acrobat failed to load its core DLL and my operating system is Windows 7

Home Premium. The program used to work, then, all of sudden stopped.

[pwillener]

Various similar topics indicate that you may have a rootkit infection on your system.  See http://support.kaspersky.com/5350?el=88446

[cheryl3420]

I don't think I want to spend $60 to fix a free program. When I try to

install the program again, it is asking me to sign in, but I cannot seem

to sign in. Any suggestions?

[pwillener]

I have no idea what you mean by $60...?

I also don't understand where you need to sign in...

Did you check about the possible rootkit infection?

[cheryl3420]

The link for the rootkit infection cost $60. I had found where I could

download Adobe Reader XI without having to sign in, but it didn't work

either. Perhaps if I uninstall the program and reinstall.

[pwillener]

The download and use of the Kaspersky TDSSKiller tool is 100% free; I don't know where you see that $60 figure.

Uninstalling & reinstalling Adobe Reader will not help you if your system is infected.

[gpacil]

I am running Windows 11 Pro 24H2 and have tried Windows 10 and 11 installers for 64 bit and both still come up with the error:

Adobe reader cannot open in protected mode due to an incompatability. program does not open in either install version

[Mandeep5062 · Accepted solution]

Please See the solution on below link : http://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/reader-core-dll-error.html

[cheryl3420]

IT WORKED!!! Thank you so very, very, very much.

[JabyerPrado]

Hi.. is there any other solution for win11 2023? your answer is a decade old but there is no other reference to the problem. Please advise, Thanks for your time

[sedatorsel]

Hello there!

I am having exactly the same problem. Tried uninstalling and reinstalling too many times. I tried removing files and folders manually, cleaning with ccleaner after uninstallation. In addtion to these I also tried uninstalling with adobe removal tool. I rebooted everytime before downloading a fresh installation.

My OS is Windows 10 Professional Version 1803 and build 17134.48 on a Microsoft Surface Pro 3.

I also tried TDSSKiller but it doesn't find anything. I am an IT guy and OK with using a computer without having any rootkits, malicious software, viruses etc. Even though I am using enterprise version of Sophos for protection. It also found nothing. That is why I do not think that this is the issue.

Only thing that I can think of is Surface Pro 3 is pending for an update for security processor (TPM). On microsoft's website they say the patch will be available for download soon.

Could this be the issue? Maybe I am having this problem because of the lack of security update of my surface pro 3 processor?