"Adobe failed to connect to DDE server" ???

Hi - I had this same problem...after much searching, I found these and linked the responses together to get my result. I hope it helps.

Apr 8, 2009 11:22 AM

"Fatal Error:  Acrobat Failed to connect to a DDE server"

This question has been Answered.

Problem: Acrobat generates the following error "Fatal Error:  Acrobat Failed to connect to a DDE server"

SCENARIO#1
1) If I double click on a single PDF file, the file opens with no problems
2) If I double click on a second PDF file, I get "Fatal Error:  Acrobat Failed to connect to a DDE server"
3) If I double click on a third file I also get "Fatal Error:  Acrobat Failed to connect to a DDE server" and so on..
4) If I close Adobe Reader completely, I can then open any one single PDF file again
5) Basically I can only have one PDF file open at any one time
6) If I reboot my system, I can open multiple PDF files again with no problems but after leaving my system on without rebooting for a while (possibly after an entire day) the issue comes back again and I have to reboot yet again to fix the issue. Very annoying.

SCENARIO#2
1) I Double click on a single PDF file, the file opens
2) I Click on File=>Open choose single or multiple PDF file and have no problems opening up as many PDF files as I want.
3) I suppose that I can use this as a workaround however I find that it is not as convenient as double clicking on multiple files in Windows Explorer.

Here's what I've tried so far unsuccesfully

- Uninstalling/Reinstalling Adobe Reader 9.1
- uninstalling Adobe Reader 9.1 and installing Adobe Reader 8
- Removing the checkmark beside "USE DDE" in the File Types section of Windows Explorer
(In Windows Explorer, Click on Tools=>Folder Options=>File Types=> PDF=>Advanced=> Open=> Change=> Use DDE)

- Set Windows Services Network DDE and Network DDE DSDM services to Automatic and verified that they are both started

I am on a corporate network if that helps

Appreciate any suggestions

Sebastian

So, to achieve the "correct answer" according to the first post, do this:

Instructions

Click "Start" and type "Services.Msc." Press "Enter" on your keyboard to launch the Services applet. Alternatively, click "Start," then launch the "Control Panel." Click the "Administrative Tools" applet and launch the "Services" entry listed.

Browse for the "Network DDE Service" as well as the "Network DDE DSDM Service."** Double-click each item to launch its properties menu.

Click "Start" under the "Service Status" field to initialize the service in question. If either Network DDE service was entirely disabled, click the "Startup Type" menu and select "Automatic" or "Manual." The "Automatic" option ensures the service is active at all times, while the latter option only functions as any given program may need it.

Click "OK" for all settings to take place. Exit the Services applet by clicking the "File" menu, followed by "Exit."

**NOTE** Modify DDE DSDM first, as DDE Service is dependent on DDE DSDM*
http://www.ehow.com/how_7500288_reinstall-dde-service.html