Uninstall & Reinstall Issues

How to Move Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro to a New Computer Without a DVD Drive

Steve KSteve K Oct 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to install a DVD version of Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro onto a new laptop that does not have an optical drive.

How to Move Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro to a New Computer Without a DVD Drive
Product
Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Migrating a physical DVD software purchase to a new computer without a disc drive.
Observed behavior
The installation requires digital, downloadable setup media instead of the physical disc to complete the installation.
Before you start

Ensure you have your 24-digit Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro serial number ready and verify if your new computer's operating system is compatible with this legacy software version.

Solution 1Recommended

Download the Acrobat 9 Installer and Activate Digitally

Since your new laptop lacks a DVD drive, you can download the official installation files directly from Adobe and use your existing serial number.

Adobe provides digital download links for legacy software like Acrobat 8 and 9. You do not need the physical DVD as long as you have your valid serial number.

Before proceeding, it is highly recommended to deactivate the software on your old PC by opening Acrobat 9, clicking on 'Help', and selecting 'Deactivate'.

1
Locate your serial number

Find your 24-digit serial number on the back of the original DVD case, on your purchase receipt, or within your online Adobe account under the 'Products' section.

2
Download the installation file

Navigate to Adobe's official download page for Acrobat 8 and Acrobat 9. Select the appropriate installation file for your operating system (Windows or Mac) and download it to your new laptop.

3
Run the setup wizard

Double-click the downloaded setup file to extract the contents and launch the installation wizard.

4
Enter the serial number

Follow the on-screen prompts. When asked for licensing information, type in your 24-digit serial number to authenticate and complete the installation.

Download the Acrobat 9 Installer and Activate Digitally
Compatibility Warning: Acrobat 9 is an older release and is not officially supported on modern operating systems like Windows 10 or 11. You may need to right-click the installer and run it in 'Compatibility Mode' for an older version of Windows.
Modern PDF Editor Alternative

Edit and Manage PDFs Easily with WPS Office

Instead of struggling to install outdated software on a modern operating system, use WPS Office. It includes a built-in, lightweight PDF editor that fully supports your existing files without needing legacy installers or a DVD drive.

  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer to your new computer.
  2. 2. Open the PDF tool: Launch WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab located on the home screen.
  3. 3. Load your document: Click 'Open' to browse your computer and select the PDF document you wish to view or modify.
  4. 4. Edit and save: Use the comprehensive top toolbar to edit text, add annotations, insert signatures, or convert the PDF, then save your changes.
Built-in modern PDF reader, editor, and converterFully compatible with Adobe PDF and all Microsoft Office formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Lightweight digital download requiring no optical driveWorks seamlessly on modern Windows and Mac operating systems
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find my Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro serial number?

Your serial number is typically located on a sticker on the back of the DVD case or on your original purchase receipt. If you registered the software online, log into your Adobe account, navigate to 'Plans and Products', and look under 'View your products'.

Will Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro work on Windows 10 or Windows 11?

Acrobat 9 is a legacy product and is not officially supported on Windows 10 or 11. While the main program might install using compatibility mode, advanced features like the Adobe PDF printer driver often fail to function correctly on modern operating systems.

Do I need to uninstall Acrobat 9 from my old PC first?

Yes, Adobe software licenses typically limit the number of active installations. To ensure a smooth transfer, open Acrobat 9 on your old PC, go to the 'Help' menu, and click 'Deactivate' to free up the activation for your new laptop.