This file appears to use a new format...

[Swifty-123456]

I've been using Acrobat Reader 6.0.1 without problems until today. Then I downloaded the PDF for my new  freezer.

Opening this PDF I get a popup "This file appears to use a new format... Adobe recommends that you upgrade to the latest version... Please visit our product site at http://www.adobe.com/acrobat"

My first step was to go Help->Updates but that told me "No updates are available..."

So I went to the URL (above) and promptly got lost.

What should I do?

[Test Screen Name]

Your copy is incredibly old. There have not been updates to it for more than a decade. You need to upgrade, not update. But first - What system do you run (eg Windows XP)?

[Swifty-123456]

I'm on Windows 10 Pro.

My reader install file came from 2011, so I removed that program and started to install Reader DC. That was about 30 minutes ago, and the installation is still at 0%

Now, THAT is more like Windows XP with a 14.4kb modem!

[Swifty-123456]

Many attempts later, I've installed Reader DC. Unfortunately I checked the box for Chrome Browser support, and now I cannot find out how to get the non-chrome browser program.

So, another un-install and re-install on the way.

[Swifty-123456]

The re-install, without the Chrome Browser support checked is installed. It launches in my chrome browser.

Is there a way to get Reader DC to open its own window?

[Swifty-123456]

Well, I've now got a version of Reader DC that doesn't open any windows at all, whether in Chrome or not.

I got a smattering of "couldn't connect to DDE ..."

I think I'll just go back to the ancient version that works, unless anyone'e got any ideas how I get out of this pickle.

[Swifty-123456]

Process Explorer found several AdobeRD.exe processes running, but nothing was visible on my desktop.

I killed them all off, and launched Reader DC and it worked, just as I'd hoped.

I have to go now. I've been sitting at this PC so long that my SmartWatch is insisting that I go and get some exercise...

[Test Screen Name]

A tiny note that Reader 6 was current from 2003-2004, so it's at least 14 years old! You can uninstall Chrome in the usual way if you don't want it, and go back to Internet Explorer or Edge (as comes with Windows 10). You can also start the browser you want with the START menu or (on my Windows 10 system) the e button on the taskbar.

[Test Screen Name]

When a PDF opens in Chrome, it actually isn't using Reader at all. This is the bizarre thing about Adobe offering it: they are giving you a free product and something that ignores it!

You can download the PDF you are viewing. Then click on the item at the bottom of the Chrome window and choose "Always open with system viewer".