Adobe Reader will not work in Windows 10

[gregoryb87909397]

When I try to use Acrobat Reader in Windows 10 I get this message: Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file.  You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.  I used Acrobat Cleaner to remove Reader and deleted the Adobe folder under programs files, plus emptied the Recycle Bin before doing a install of Reader again.  Still won't run, same error.  I have full administrator rights.  I've tried to go into the "ProgramFiles (x86)/Adobe" and increase my permissions without success.

I was able to install Acrobat Reader on my wife's new Windows 10 notebook without this problem.  I'm stumped, please help.

[AkanchhaS]

Hi Gregoryb,

As per the description given above, this is a system related issue which generally occurs when-

• You do not have permissions to the file or the file location.
• The file is on a location that is not currently accessible like a network location or an external drive that is not currently connected to the PC.
• Or  your antivirus software may be blocking the file.

Follow the troubleshooting steps suggested below-

1- Check the permission of the file or folder:

Note Make sure you are an Administrator or you are part of the Domain Admins group if you are in a domain.

Permissions are rules associated with files that determine if you can access the file and what you can do with it. To check the permission of the file or folder, follow these steps: 

1. Right-click the file or folder, and then select Properties.
2. Select the Security tab.
3. Under Group or User names, click your name to see the permissions you have. (The screen shot for this step is listed below).

The screen shot for this step

4. Select Edit, and then select to check the check boxes for the permissions that you need, and then select OK. (The screen shot for this step is listed below).

2-Check the file location

You might get this error if the shortcut or installation is attempting to access a location that is not currently available such as a networked or a removable drive. Check the path of the file that Windows cannot access and make sure that the location is accessible. (The screen shot for this step is listed below).

Let us know if it still doesn't work.

Regards,

Akanchha

[gregoryb87909397]

I've already done everything you listed before asking for help. This is on a personal computer not attached to a network. I have full administrator permissions. I can go into the program file locations and delete, modify, copy, or do anything else I want to to the files. The shortcut has the right path. I can into the folder and click on the executable and still get the same error message. I'm using Norton Security and have made sure Norton's isn't blocking the program.

Gregory Blake

[AkanchhaS]

Hi Gregory,

I sincerely apologize for the delay in further response.

As you have already tried all the troubleshooting steps suggested. So you may try installing the application in ""Hidden Administrator" account and see if that helps.

Enable Built-in Administrator Account in Windows

1. 1-    First you’ll need to open a command prompt in administrator mode by right-clicking and choosing “Run as administrator” (or use the Ctrl+Shift+Enter shortcut from the search box).

Note that this works the same in all versions of Windows. Just search for cmd and      then right-click on the command prompt icon in the Start menu or Start screen.

If you are in Windows 8.x or 10 you can right-click on the Start button and choose to open a command prompt that way.

2- Now type the following command:-

3- You should see a message that the command completed successfully. Log out, and you’ll now see the Administrator account as a choice. (Note that this screenshot is from Vista, but this works on Windows 7 and Windows 8 and Windows 10)

       

You’ll note that there’s no password for this account, so if you want to leave it enabled you should change the password.

Disable Built-in Administrator Account

Make sure you are logged on as your regular user account, and then open an administrator mode command prompt as above. Type the following command:

net user administrator /active:no

Regards,

Akanchha