The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000022).

[MichaelJM1960]

When I double-click on a PDF with Adobe set as the default app for them, I get the error "The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000022)" and prompted to "Please close the program".

This problem using Adobe DC with Windows 10 has persisted through several updates and it is extremely annoying.

1) I tried to repair my installations of:

a) Microsoft Visual C++ Studio Redistributable 2013 x64

b) Microsoft Visual C++ Studio Redistributable 2013 x86

2) I downloaded a clean copy of Acrobat Reader DC

3) I uninstalled and then downloaded and reinstalled:

a) Microsoft Visual C++ Studio Redistributable 2013 x64

b) Microsoft Visual C++ Studio Redistributable 2013 x86

I am still getting the error.

Help

[AkanchhaS]

Hi MichaelJM1960

Thanks for sharing the troubleshooting steps that you have followed.

As you have mentioned about, trying the uninstall and reinstall have you tried using the cleaner tool- Download Adobe Reader and Acrobat Cleaner Tool - Adobe Labs

Or if that doesn't help, then try in a hidden administrator account.

Enable Built-in Administrator Account in Windows

1-    First you’ll need to open a command prompt in administrator mode by right-clicking and choosing “Run as administrator” (or use the Ctrl+Shift+Enter shortcut from the search box).

Note that this works the same in all versions of Windows. Just search for cmd and      then right-click on the command prompt icon in the Start menu or Start screen.

If you are in Windows 8.x or 10 you can right-click on the Start button and choose to open a command prompt that way.

2- Now type the following command:-

3- You should see a message that the command completed successfully. Log out, and you’ll now see the Administrator account as a choice. (Note that this screenshot is from Vista, but this works on Windows 7 and Windows 8 and Windows 10)

You’ll note that there’s no password for this account, so if you want to leave it enabled you should change the password.

Try in hidden admin and let us know if it still doesn't help.

Regards,

Akanchha

[MichaelJM1960]

Akanchha,

These steps did not work. The PDF I attached even had the error when I created it and it launched from PowerPoint.

Frankly, I'm perplexed.

Let's Run Together

>

[AkanchhaS · Accepted solution]

Hi MichaelJM,

Sorry to hear that it didn't work for you.

You have tried almost all the possible troubleshooting would you also try uninstalling the application using cleaner tool- Download Adobe Reader and Acrobat Cleaner Tool - Adobe Labs

and reinstall it- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Install for all versions

Regards,

Akanchha