Error signing a PDF in Internet Explorer using Acrobat or Acrobat Reader plug-in with Protected Mode

[AnandSri]

Problem: Error signing a PDF in Internet Explorer using Acrobat or Acrobat Reader plug-in with Protected Mode enabled

On Windows 10 (version 20H1 or later), digitally signing a PDF in Internet Explorer using Acrobat or Acrobat Reader plug-in with Protected Mode enabled results in the following error: "The Windows Cryptographic Service Provider reported an error: Access is denied. Error Code: 2147942405".

Solution: Update Acrobat or Acrobat Reader to the latest version and create a feature-specific registry key.

1. In Acrobat or Acrobat Reader, go to Help > About Adobe Acrobat or Help > About Acrobat Reader and check if your application is updated to the latest version, 23.003.20269.

If not, go to Help > Check for Updates and install the latest update.

1. Quit Acrobat or Acrobat Reader application.
2. Open the registry editor -  go to Run (Windows menu + R), type regedit.exe in the Open field and click OK.
3. In the registry editor, based on your installed product version, go to the version-specific location listed below and create the key FeatureState at the location; the key may not be present by default.

• Location for Acrobat 32-bit:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Adobe\Adobe Acrobat\DC\FeatureState

• Location for Acrobat Reader 32-bit:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Adobe\Acrobat Reader\DC\FeatureState

• Location for Acrobat 64-bit:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Adobe\Adobe Acrobat\DC\FeatureState

• Location for Acrobat Reader 64-bit:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Adobe\Acrobat Reader\DC\FeatureState
• Under FeatureState, create a key of type DWORD and name it ADC4325829. Change its value to 1 (one).

Close the registry editor.

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