Cannot open PDF files in Windows 10

[stanp26]

I have a problem with opening any Adobe pdf file on my desktop.  I have no such problem on my laptop.

Both machines run on Windows 10 and have identical Version of Adobe Acrobat #18.009.20044 installed.

When I click on any PDF file on my desktop I get this message: “Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permission to access the item”.I have already tried the following:

1/ Twice uninstalled and installed Adobe Acrobat Reader,

2/ Run PDF files while my Norton Security Antivirus was temporarily disactivated,

3/ Three times changed/repaired Adobe program through Windows Control Panel,

4/ Changed back and forth the Security in Adobe “Properties”,

5/ Ran “sfc/scannow” command in DOS.

Each time I did any of these 5 points and restart, I was able to open the PDF files once or twice, but then started getting the above message again. Can anyone help?

[Adorobat · Accepted solution]

Hi Stanp,

Sorry for being late in answering your query.

Please try the troubleshooting steps given below:

1- Update Reader to the latest patch by clicking 'check for updates' under Help menu. You may also download updates manually using this link: DC Release Notes — Release Notes for Acrobat DC Products , reboot the machine and try again.

2- If that doesn't work, try removing traces of Reader using Cleaner tool which you can download from here: Download Adobe Reader and Acrobat Cleaner Tool - Adobe Labs , reboot the machine, and install Reader DC from here: Adobe - Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Distribution

You may also try the steps given in the following threads which discuss the similar issue:

Permission Issue with Reader; Removed; Will Not Reinstall

"windows cannot access specified device, path or file", adobe reader x

Thank You,

Shivam