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Participant
April 5, 2011
Answered

Cannot insert PDF objects into a Powerpoint

  • April 5, 2011
  • 2 replies
  • 69646 views

Hello!

I'm having a problem I cannot find the answer to.  We have a few new HP ProBooks that I've recently staged.  As part of the installation, the laptops either have Office 2007 or 2010, and Adobe Reader X.  In a new PowerPoint file when I try to insert a PDF (Insert Tab->Object->Create From File), I get the following error:

"The Server Application, source file, or item cannot be found, or returned an unknown error. You may need to reinstall the server application."

Previously, I got this error when choosing "Create New" from the Object menu also, but following the instructions about Protected mode at the link below seems to have resolved that problem. Unfortunately, Create From File offers the 'link' functionality that is important to me.

http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/860/cpsid_86063.html

I have tried removing our virus scanner (Symantec Corporate AV 11), and HP's Privacy Manager, then performing a Repair installation of Office. (both those items seem to be occasional culprits in problems similar to this) I haven't had any luck getting this to go away yet though.  I was hoping I might find some help here, thanks!

-Brad

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Bernd Alheit

    As another data point, I worked with our support organization on this.  They were running Win7, Office 2010, and Acrobat Reader 9.  Could attach files (PDF in PowerPoint specifically) without issue.

    They upgraded to Acrobat Reader 10 and started getting the exact same error.  This is a problem due to Acrobat Reader 10.


    The problem is the protection mode of Adobe Reader X.

    2 replies

    March 23, 2016

    Another workaround to this would be to try the following steps on Power Point :


    Insert - Object - Create new and choose "Package" as the object type in the drop down - Browse the file and insert.


    Best,

    Rafeel

    Participant
    November 5, 2019

    Hello Rafeelm, 

     

    Thank you so much , your solution resolved the issue.

    Participant
    April 6, 2011

    I am having the exact same issue.  I am on XP running Office12 (Office 2007).  Interestingly enough I just upgraded to Acrobat Reader 10 yesterday and this is the first time I have seen this problem.

    I emailed the two files to a colleague who has the same OS, same Office version, and on an older version of Acrobat Reader and they were able to attach the file without issue.

    Possible Reader X problem?

    Participant
    April 6, 2011

    Thanks for adding your voice. I know this has got to be an issue for more people. Hopefully we can get some attention directed towards this thread.

    Bernd Alheit
    Community Expert
    Bernd AlheitCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    April 7, 2011

    As another data point, I worked with our support organization on this.  They were running Win7, Office 2010, and Acrobat Reader 9.  Could attach files (PDF in PowerPoint specifically) without issue.

    They upgraded to Acrobat Reader 10 and started getting the exact same error.  This is a problem due to Acrobat Reader 10.


    The problem is the protection mode of Adobe Reader X.