Can’t open PDF files in Windows 7
I have installed, uninstalled and installed Adobe Reader again, and get Acrobat failed to connect to a DDE Server message. Could open PDF files when we had XP on other computer but not able to since we got Windows 7 on new computer. Have not been able to save and open in another window either. Can create PDF files but cannot open them. We have the newest version of Adobe Reader.
Software/Hardware used:
Inernet Explorer 8, Windows 7 Professional, Adobe Reader 9, brand new Dell PC
Software/Hardware used:
Inernet Explorer 8, Windows 7 Professional, Adobe Reader 9, brand new Dell PC
ASKED:
January 1, 2010 6:13 PM
UPDATED:
April 18, 2013 5:55 PM
Answer Wiki:
Network DDE is no longer supported, read this about Network DDE
Network DDE is no longer supported. Nddeapi.dll is present on Windows Vista, but all function calls return NDDE_NOT_IMPLEMENTED.
Generally this error comes when app tries to connect with DDE Server. Check McAfee for any type of Software blocks or firewall issues. If that doesn't work then uninstall and reinstall the program and see if McAfee then pops up with a message asking you for permission to let it access the internet.
To see all answers submitted to the Answer Wiki: View Answer History.
We do not have McAfee. We have Spyware Doctor. the uninstalling and re-installing did not make a difference.
Hi Vicki,
Not necessarily a hard fix for the Adobe issue, but there are a few open source PDF viewers out there that might allow you to get around the problem now while you troubleshoot… just a thought!
I agree, most of the times this is caused by an antivirus program blocking Adobe Reader from connecting (but I think not to the internet, but to some other process via the DDE mechanism).
Well, not only antivirus, but antispyware and firewalls also.
Try temporarily disabling this type of software, to see if it makes any difference.
Hi, I am having the same exact problem. I just read on another forum that Windows 7 does not recognize adobe and that’s why you can’t read any PDF files. I am going to try an opensource application and see what happens.
I have tested Adobe Reader 9.0 and 9.2 on Win 7 ultimate, and it works perfectly.
After hitting update Acrobat to 7.1.0, I could not open pdfs or they would take forever. Also, locked up computer and had constant popups with 1310 or not allowed on directory. I tried this and it seems to be working so far. I have Windows 7 – and I believe Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.3 after repair it went to 9.4 I think? I didn’t have a installation media CD but I still did the repair.
Repair Adobe Reader or Acrobat
To repair Adobe Reader or Acrobat, you must have access to the installation media (CD-ROM or DVD) or to the network path from which you originally installed the product.
Choose Start > Run.
Type appwiz.cpl in the Open text box, and then click OK to open the Add Or Remove Programs dialog box.
Select Acrobat or Adobe Reader, and then click Change/Remove (Windows 2000, Windows XP) or Change (Windows Vista, Windows 7).
In the Setup dialog box, click Next.
Select Repair, and then Click Next.
Click Update.
When the process is complete, click Finish.
A solution that worked for me – I already had Open Office Installed but if you do not, install it.
It is free and will open and save to Microsoft Office files. Next, google
sun-pdfimport.oxt
which is an open office extension and install it. This worked for me after giving up on all other possible solutions after a frustrating day.
Have you checked your file association for PDF files? Did the install properly point to it and say that I am the program that opens this type of file?
Also, while I was checking around about this problem, you are far from being alone. This problem seems to exist for many people with Reader 9.x on XP, Vista, and WIN7. There do not seem to be any fast and sure ways of fixing the problem other than going back to an earlier version of Reader. File association appears not to have been considered in any case I read about.
One may also wish to try the newest version Reader X to see if this resolves the issue.
My Acrobat x pro running on Window7 Pro worked fine until I installed the latest update. Today I keep receiving dde error messages. I have uninstalled and reinstalled both Acrobat X pro and Office 2010. I still recieve the dde message.This day long problem impacts productivity!
It might be .pdf file corruption
In that case I would advise to use tool below
pdf fix
I only have this problem in IE 9. Have given up on it and went back to IE 8 where PDF opens instantly just as it also does in Chrome.
Learned the hard way that I also have to disable the IE 9 update in Windows 7 updates or else it just reinstalls itself.
Have been having same problem – downloaded Foxit Reader – http://www.foxitsoftware.com and works perfectly!
I think you try this;-download new version that is compatible with the o/s you are using.-uninstall the existing one and install these new one and make sure that the firewall have been put Off. *download from the trusted site.