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

Report · Mar 25, 2012

I get a "ding!" and an error message appears saying the above. Often it has the label "fatal error" and when opened it says the above. Sometimes i get these one after another in quick succession until there are 7 or more in a stack. My guess is that this is the Adobe Reader looking to check for an update and on failing to connect it tries a few more times. i have unistalled the reader and reinstalled the latest from the website. It's annoying and after doing it on my PC for a month or so it is now doing it on our other PC!!

Can anyone help please??

Report · Apr 17, 2012

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

Correct Answer by dzrtmn on Apr 13, 2009 10:45 AM

What are the Log On properties of the Remote Procedure Call service, on the workstation giving this error?

I've had success by setting the 'Log on as' to 'Local System account' with the 'Allow service to interact with desktop' checked.

See the answer in context

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

Report · Apr 19, 2012

I tried the "correct answer" section above and the problems still persist. Anyone pls??

Report · Jun 14, 2012

This is not an answer.

The problem still persists and i did try the above without success.

I have the added irritation that when I open a folder where there is a least one PDF file the PC becomes jittery and acts erratically. Even though I may not have gone anywhere near the pdf file, the computer flips back and forth between the folder with PDF and the last folder (or website or whatever) I was on. If I try to open the pdf it may ignore me or go "not responding." the machine seems to have taken a set against PDF files but how/why etc...........?