How to disable protected mode in Adobe DC using cust wizard?

[d4rkcell]

Hi does anyone know how I can disable protected mode at startup in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC either using the customization wizard or using the registry? I have found articles for version XI and version 10 but not sure if these will work with DC.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks

CW

[pwillener · Accepted solution]

I don't know how to do it with the Customization Wizard, but I can tell you how to do it via the registry.  It depends on the installation version number; download the registry scripts below to see what to change.

• version 15.006.30033: http://adobe.ly/1dNVksF
• version 15.007.20033: http://adobe.ly/1BEU5RI

See this topic for an explanation of the different version numbers: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/1856824

[d4rkcell]

Thanks I am pretty sure (by looking at my registry) its the DC version. Bit of a bummer this lives in HKCU and can't be put into HKLM. I guess that means modifying ntuser.dat for the default user to make it apply to all users unless you know of somewhere in HKLM it can live? The same path maybe?

Thanks again

CW

[pwillener]

You would have to test if it has the same effect when put into HKLM (same path).  I would definitely be interested to know if Protected Mode can be disabled via HKLM.

[pwillener]

P.S. you can make sure about the installed Reader version by checking Programs & Features in the CP.  Also the install path is different (DC vs. 2015).

[d4rkcell]

Hello,

It doesn't seem to work with HKLM. I will need to modify the default user hive of the registry on our default image to include this. What a pain in the backside.

I think I will also deploy from group policy preferences to be certain as well.

Thanks for your help.

[pwillener]

Sorry to hear that HKLM does not work; that would have been most convenient (and logical, come to think of it!).

One thing you could do is to file a feature request at https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/mmform/index.cfm?name=wishform

[pwillener]

I will move your post to the Deployment forum; hopefully someone there can give you some advice achieving your goal using the customization wizard.

[EnterpriseHelp]

Both protected mode and view can be set in HKLM: Trust Manager

hth,

Ben

[michaelp65857343]

You can always make HKCU reg settings changes with a Group Policy Preference.

[michaelp65857343]

I would like to check out this solution but both of the links are broken.

[EnterpriseHelp]

Use the Trust Manager link above or see:

• Application Security Overview — Acrobat Application Security Guide
• Security — Acrobat Customization Wizard DC for Windows

hth,

Ben