Issue with Adobe Reader and double double click to open files

[kirop]

Hello guys,

I have a really strange issue with Adobe Reader ( version Adobe Reader 25.001.20435-x64 - automatically updated when a new version is released). So what is the issue:

- windows version - 10 or 11 ( Windows 10 22H2 and Windows 11 24H2) 

- windows server 2022 Datacenter - used as file server

On clients with Adobe Reader, users have absolutely random issue by opening pdf files from mapped drives. I've tested it multiple times by different users, differents OS, different folders, different subfolders, different sizes. Sometimes in the same folder we have some files which are opened by double click and some by double double click. It is totally random. There is no error message, no mouse clock or something. You double click and nothing happens.

No events were logged at that time. 

File assignment is set to reader (I've double checked). 

And here comes the strange thing - If I use Adobe Acrobat Standard 2017 version 17.011.30180.12503 there isn't issue at all. Same files which couldn't be open by double click are now open without any problems.

This can't be a permission issue cause this happens as well in a same folder. 

Does someone have an idea where this issue comes and how to fix it? From my point of view, this is really weird case.

Thanks in advance

[S. S]

Hi @kirop,

Hope you are doing well. Sorry for the trouble with opening files in Acrobat.

Basis the description, here are some suggestions I would recommend you follow:

1. Disable Protected Mode (to test) - 

• Open Acrobat Reader

• Go to Edit > Preferences > Security (Enhanced)

• Uncheck:

  • Enable Protected Mode at startup

  • Enable Enhanced Security

• Click OK and restart Reader.

2. Try UNC path -

UNC paths (\\server\share) are more reliably handled than mapped drives (like Z:\folder\file.pdf), especially in protected mode.

Try creating a shortcut directly to: \\yourserver\sharename\folder and try opening the files from there.

Info around opening files in Acrobat can be found here: https://adobe.ly/4lt4u08

Let us know if this helps.

Regards,
Souvik.

[kirop]

Hi S.S 

I've tested again and the following happens:

at first I had the same behavior - same folder - some files open without problem some with double double click and as well the option with UNC will not work for us. Too much drama and problems by users.

Then I switch from Reader to Edge - tested with multiple files and no problems at all and pretty fast

Then I swicht back to Reader and change the security settings as you suggested. Here are the original settings:

The protected view was off but I really don't like the idea of reducing security for PDF files. 

Is there something else which could help? Thanks

[S. S]

Hi @kirop,

Thanks for the detailed response.

Another step to try here would be: Disabling the preview pane in Windows Explorer.

Can you check on this and let us know how it goes?

Regards,
Souvik.

[kirop]

Hi S.S

the preview pane was always off by testing. 

Regards

[kirop]

Any other ideas? I already informed users to use Edge if they face such problem.

[Vogue23286380oapn]

I'm not sure if this is the same issue you're having but this might be helpful to you or other users. I was having to click a pdf file 4X until it would open, where normally it would open quickly with 1 double click. Sometimes it was just non-responsive, in which case I had to right click and choose, open with Adobe Acrobat. Even then, it was sluggish. 

What worked for me; updated Edge browser, relaunched. Cleared cache / cookies, relaunched. Repair Adobe Installation (under Help Tab). Reboot your OS. 

I hope this is helpful to anyone else facing the same frustration and issues. 

[Vogue23286380oapn]

Also, this might help speed up files / programs opening faster:

Clear cache of File explorer

-Open Run Command ( Press Windows key + R)

-Copy, paste then click ok the file path below:

%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations

Delete everything inside the AutomaticDestinations folder

-Restart PC and check

[kirop]

Hi @Vogue23286380oapn 

Thanks for suggestions, I was not able to test it due to illness but I will give a shot. Nevertheless, I believe it is an issue with Reader but due to lack of support logs, support etc. most likely it will never be really solved. I already suggest to users to use Edge, there it is working fast and always. Why Reader failed to perform as well, remains unclear.

[Vogue23286380oapn]

It wasn't working in Edge, as we mentioned but Deleting everything inside the AutomaticDestinations folder did fix it.  Also, you can try uninstalling / reinstalling Reader, repair the installation, temporarily turn off your extentions to see if there's a conflict, and lastly, whitelist Adobe Reader in your A/V program. 

Hope these suggestions help!