Fix Acrobat 2017 Installation Freezing on Read Me Screen in macOS Catalina
Question details
The user is unable to install Acrobat Pro 2017 Student and Teacher Edition on macOS Catalina because the installer hangs.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017
- Device & OS
- macOS Catalina
- Scenario
- Installing newly purchased PDF editing software on a Mac computer.
- Observed behavior
- The installation freezes with a spinning cursor on the Read Me screen, preventing the setup process from completing.
Before troubleshooting, ensure your Mac is updated to the latest available version of macOS Catalina and verify that you have administrative privileges to install new software.
Verify System Compatibility and License Source
Confirm that Acrobat 2017 is fully compatible with macOS Catalina and ensure the license is valid, as third-party purchases can cause installation or verification hangups.
macOS Catalina dropped support for 32-bit applications, which can cause older software installers to freeze or fail. Additionally, software purchased through third-party retailers or marketplaces can sometimes trigger background licensing verification issues.
Press the Command + Option + Esc keys simultaneously to open the Force Quit window. Select the Adobe installer from the list and click 'Force Quit'.
If you purchased the software from a third-party retailer like Office Depot, Amazon Marketplace, or eBay, confirm the legitimacy of the license key provided, as unauthorized versions may fail to install properly.
Review Adobe's official system requirements for your specific build of Acrobat 2017 to ensure it contains the updated 64-bit installer required for macOS Catalina.
Contact Support for an Authorized Installer or Refund
If the installer is corrupted or the license is invalid, you will need to get a fresh installation file directly from the source or request your money back.
Edit PDFs Smoothly with WPS Office on Mac
Skip the frustrating installation freezes and expensive licenses. WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative with a built-in PDF editor that works seamlessly on macOS Catalina and newer.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS version.
- 2. Install effortlessly: Open the downloaded package and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open and edit your PDFs: Launch WPS Office, open your PDF document, and start editing text, adding comments, or managing pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does macOS Catalina freeze during older Adobe Acrobat installations?
macOS Catalina completely dropped support for 32-bit applications. If the Acrobat 2017 installer relies on any legacy 32-bit components or background processes, the operating system cannot execute them, causing the setup process to hang or freeze.
Can I install Acrobat 2017 in Safe Mode to bypass the Read Me screen freeze?
Yes, booting your Mac into Safe Mode disables third-party background startup items that might interfere with the installer. Restart your Mac, hold the Shift key until the Apple logo appears, log in, and try running the installation again.
What should I do if my third-party Acrobat license key is invalid?
If you purchased from a third-party retailer and Adobe cannot verify the product key, you should contact the retailer immediately for a replacement or a refund. Software bought from unauthorized sellers may be pirated, volume-licensed improperly, or deactivated by Adobe.
