Uninstall & Reinstall Issues

How to Replace Acrobat X Pro from CS6 with Acrobat 2017 Pro

Amos GikundaAmos Gikunda Nov 2, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to upgrade from Acrobat X Pro, which was installed as part of the CS6 Web Premium suite, to Acrobat 2017 Pro without disrupting the rest of the CS6 applications, and needs clarification on activation risks.

How to Replace Acrobat X Pro (CS6) with Acrobat 2017 Pro
Product
Adobe Acrobat
Device & OS
Windows 8.1
Scenario
Upgrading a standalone PDF application within a legacy software suite to a newer version.
Observed behavior
Seeking the correct procedural steps to uninstall the old version and install the new one while avoiding software conflicts and activation errors.
Before you start

Ensure you have your Adobe ID login credentials and the valid serial numbers for both your CS6 suite and Acrobat 2017 Pro before beginning the uninstallation process.

Solution 1Recommended

Uninstall Acrobat X Pro and Install Acrobat 2017 Pro

Use the standard Windows removal process to uninstall the legacy version before installing the new software to prevent unexpected interactions.

Because Adobe CS6 and Acrobat 2017 were released several years apart, leaving both installed or installing the new version over the old one can cause unexpected software interactions. A clean removal of the older Acrobat version is highly recommended.

Activation issues are uncommon as long as you have valid licenses. You may simply be prompted to sign in and deactivate the old installation during the process.

1
Open Programs and Features

Navigate to the Windows Control Panel on your Windows 8.1 system and select 'Programs and Features' to view your installed applications.

2
Uninstall Acrobat X Pro

Locate 'Adobe Acrobat X Pro' in the software list. Right-click it and select 'Uninstall'. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the removal. Do not uninstall the entire CS6 Web Premium suite.

3
Restart Your Computer

Reboot your PC to ensure all temporary files and legacy registry entries associated with Acrobat X Pro are fully cleared from the system.

4
Install Acrobat 2017 Pro

Run the Acrobat 2017 Pro installer. When prompted during the setup, sign in with your Adobe ID or enter your valid Acrobat 2017 license key.

5
Manage Activation Prompts

If the installer or application prompts you about a previously active installation, follow the on-screen instructions to deactivate the old license and validate the new one.

Other CS6 Applications Intact: Removing Acrobat X Pro individually via Programs and Features will not uninstall or disrupt your other Adobe CS6 Web Premium applications like Photoshop or Illustrator.
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If you want to avoid compatibility issues between older CS6 applications and newer Adobe software, consider using WPS Office. It features a robust built-in PDF editor that handles viewing, editing, and converting securely without conflicting with your existing software suites.

  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office from the official website onto your computer.
  2. 2. Open the PDF Editor: Launch WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab on the main dashboard to access the dedicated PDF workspace.
  3. 3. Load Your Document: Click 'Open' to browse your local files and import the PDF document you wish to read or edit.
  4. 4. Edit and Save: Use the tools in the 'Edit' ribbon to modify text, insert images, or add signatures, then save your updated PDF file directly.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Will uninstalling Acrobat X Pro affect my Photoshop CS6 installation?

No. As long as you only select Acrobat X Pro from the Programs and Features list for uninstallation, your other Adobe CS6 Web Premium applications will remain intact and fully functional.

Do I need to deactivate Acrobat X Pro before uninstalling it?

It is highly recommended to open Acrobat X Pro, navigate to the Help menu, and deactivate your license before uninstalling. This frees up the activation seat on Adobe's servers for future use.

Are there compatibility issues between CS6 apps and Acrobat 2017?

Because they were developed years apart, they may interact unexpectedly if they attempt to share certain background services. However, as long as the old Acrobat is removed cleanly, standalone use of the respective applications usually functions fine.