Fix Acrobat 9 Prompting for Save Location in Internet Explorer
Question details
The user wants to stop Acrobat 9 Standard from constantly asking for a save location every time a PDF opened via an Internet Explorer workflow is saved.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat 9 Standard
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Saving a PDF document locally after opening it directly within an Internet Explorer browser workflow.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat 9 fails to remember the last used save directory and prompts the user for a save location every time, unlike newer Acrobat or Reader versions.
Before modifying your system settings, verify whether the prompt is being triggered by the browser's default download settings or the specific 'Save As' dialog within the Acrobat application.
Update Default Windows File Associations for PDFs
Changing your Windows default PDF reader to a newer application prevents legacy software like Acrobat 9 from handling browser workflows, resolving the recurring prompt issue.
Older software versions like Acrobat 9 often lack the modernized directory memory features implemented in newer updates. Associating PDF files with a more recent PDF reader ensures the 'Save As' dialog remembers your preferred folder.
Click the Start button, select the gear icon to open Settings, and navigate to 'Apps'.
Select 'Default apps' from the left-hand menu, then scroll down and click the 'Choose default apps by file type' link.
Scroll through the list until you find the '.pdf' file extension, and click on the currently assigned application (e.g., Adobe Acrobat 9).
Choose a newer version of Adobe Reader or a modern alternative like WPS Office from the pop-up list to set it as your new default PDF handler.
Configure Internet Explorer Download Settings
Ensure that Internet Explorer is not configured to manually ask for a save location for every downloaded file.
Use WPS Office for a Smoother PDF Reading and Saving Experience
If legacy PDF readers are causing workflow interruptions, switching to WPS Office can resolve these issues. It provides a fast, modern PDF reader that seamlessly remembers your preferred save locations without repetitive prompts.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
- 2. Set as Default PDF Reader: Right-click any PDF file, select 'Open with' > 'Choose another app', select WPS Office, and check 'Always use this app to open .pdf files'.
- 3. Save PDFs Effortlessly: Open a PDF in WPS Office. When you click 'Save As', the software will automatically default to your most recently used folder, eliminating redundant prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Acrobat 9 forget my save location while newer versions remember it?
Legacy software like Acrobat 9 Standard lacks the updated directory memory functions introduced in newer operating systems and modern browser environments, causing it to revert to a default prompt or temporary folder every time.
Can I force Internet Explorer to save PDFs without asking?
Yes. In Internet Explorer, press Ctrl+J to view downloads, click Options, set your preferred default folder, and uncheck any setting that asks where to save files before downloading.
How do I make PDFs open in a desktop app instead of inside the browser?
You can change this behavior by opening Internet Explorer, going to the Gear icon > Manage Add-ons, and disabling the Adobe PDF Reader extension. This forces the browser to download the file and open it in your default desktop PDF application.
Is Adobe Acrobat 9 still supported?
No, Adobe Acrobat 9 is a legacy product that reached its end of support many years ago. It no longer receives security or compatibility updates, which frequently results in glitches when used with modern browsers and workflows.
