Fix Mail Error in Adobe Reader 11 When Sending a PDF via Outlook
Question details
The user encounters an 'An error occurred while sending mail' prompt when attempting to send a PDF via Outlook. This issue specifically affects a single user on a terminal server while others function normally.
- Product
- Adobe Reader 11, Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to send a PDF document directly from Adobe Reader 11 using Outlook as the email client on a terminal server.
- Observed behavior
- Adobe Reader 11 throws 'An error occurred while sending mail' for one specific user, preventing them from emailing the PDF, while other terminal-server users are unaffected.
Ensure that Microsoft Outlook is currently open, updated, and actively connected to the Exchange server before attempting to send the PDF from Adobe Reader.
Set Microsoft Outlook as the Default Mail Client
Since the issue affects a single user, their specific Windows default app settings might be misconfigured. Setting Outlook as the default MAPI client usually resolves communication errors between Adobe and Outlook.
In a terminal server environment, user-specific configurations can sometimes drift. Ensuring Outlook is strictly defined as the default mail application for the affected profile is the primary step.
Click the Start menu and navigate to Settings > Apps > Default apps.
Under the Email section, click on the current default application and select Microsoft Outlook from the list.
Scroll down and click 'Choose default apps by protocol'. Find 'MAILTO' and ensure it is associated with Microsoft Outlook.
Repair or Recreate the Outlook Profile
A corrupted user profile in Outlook can prevent external applications like Adobe Reader from initiating email messages through MAPI.
Use WPS Office to View and Email PDFs Seamlessly
Avoid legacy software compatibility errors by using WPS Office. It features a robust built-in PDF reader that integrates perfectly with your default email client, allowing you to view, edit, and share PDF documents securely and efficiently without MAPI errors.
- 1. Open PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document using the built-in WPS PDF tool.
- 2. Click the Share Button: Locate the 'Share' or 'Email' button located on the top navigation toolbar.
- 3. Send as Attachment: Select 'Email as Attachment' to automatically open your default mail client with the PDF attached, ready to send.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I getting 'An error occurred while sending mail' in Adobe Reader 11?
This error typically occurs when Adobe Reader cannot communicate with your default email client. It is often caused by misconfigured default mail application settings in Windows, a corrupted Outlook profile, or missing MAPI registry keys.
What is MAPI and why does it affect Adobe Reader?
MAPI (Messaging Application Programming Interface) is a protocol used by Windows programs to send emails through clients like Outlook. If MAPI is not functioning correctly or Outlook is not set as the default MAPI client, Adobe Reader will fail to attach the PDF to an email.
Does updating Adobe Reader fix the email issue?
Yes, Adobe Reader 11 is an outdated version. Upgrading to a newer version like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC or switching to modern alternatives like WPS PDF often resolves compatibility issues with modern email clients and Windows operating systems.
Why does the error only happen to one user on the terminal server?
Terminal servers manage individual user profiles separately. The affected user likely has a corrupted localized Outlook profile, incorrect personal default app settings, or specific folder permission restrictions that don't affect other users on the same server.
