why does adobe reader close all tabs and terminate if I attempt to open any secured pdf (paystub)?

[davidf34949845]

I can open a number of pdf files, except secured.

If I attempt to open a secured pdf, (specifically, the paystub I downloaded from my employer),
Some of it renders, then a blue bubble appears mid screen (no text - maybe it's supposed to be an error message?) and seconds later, the whole app closes without explanation. All tabs, everything. Poof, closed.

How do I fix this?

[AkanchhaS]

Hi @davidf34949845 

Thanks for highlighting this to us. 

Looking at the description above, it seems that you are experiencing this issue only with the secured file.

For testing, disable the following security settings and see if that helps: 

Navigate to Reader>Edit>Preferences>Security (Enhanced)>disable "Protected Mode at Startup" and "Enhanced Security">OK>Reboot Reader [Windows only]

Note: these changes are only for testing purposes. Once tested, please change it back to the previous setting. 

Let us know if that helps. 

Thanks,

Akanchha

[davidf34949845]

Hi Akanchha, 
I tried your suggestion, but it didn't solve the problem.

Adobe still closes if I attempt to open my paystub.

[davidf34949845]

On a whim, I opened "Event Viewer", and saw this:

[davidf34949845 · Accepted solution]

Tried uninstalling smartink. That didn't help.
Tried deleting this file:

c:\program files\adobe\acrobat dc\acrobat\plug_ins\smartplugin.api

Now adobe reader can open my paystub, but I wonder if I broke something else in the process?

[AkanchhaS]

@davidf34949845 thanks for confirming that.

Let us know if there's any further assistance is required.

~Akanchha