Fix Acrobat Reference Error 97.1f081160 When Converting PDF to Word
Question details
User encounters a specific reference error code preventing them from converting a PDF document into a Word file.

- Product
- Adobe Reader XI
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to convert a PDF document to Microsoft Word format using the Adobe online conversion service.
- Observed behavior
- The application fails to complete the conversion and displays reference error 97.1f081160.1428370794.d5492aa.
Ensure your internet connection is stable and verify that you are signed in with the correct Adobe ID, as this specific conversion feature relies entirely on online cloud services.
Retry the Online Conversion and Verify Credentials
Since this error is often caused by a temporary glitch with online servers or authentication timeouts, refreshing your session and retrying can resolve it.
Adobe Reader XI relies on Acrobat.com services to process PDF to Word conversions. Interruptions in this connection trigger reference errors.
Open Adobe Reader XI, click on 'Sign In' or your profile name in the upper right corner, and select 'Sign Out'.
Close Adobe Reader XI completely and relaunch the program to clear temporary session data.
Log back into the application using the correct Adobe ID credentials associated with your conversion subscription.
Open your PDF file and attempt the 'Export to Word' function once more to see if the connection is successful.

Contact Adobe Customer Care with the Reference Code
If basic troubleshooting fails, Adobe support can use the exact reference code to pinpoint the server-side issue.
Convert PDFs to Word Offline Easily with WPS Office
Avoid online server timeouts and reference errors entirely by using WPS Office's built-in PDF to Word converter. It processes your files locally on your computer, ensuring high formatting accuracy without the need for an internet connection or external cloud services.
- 1. Open PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF file you wish to convert.
- 2. Access the PDF Tools: Navigate to the 'Tools' tab located on the top menu ribbon.
- 3. Select PDF to Word: Click on the 'PDF to Word' icon to launch the conversion dialog box.
- 4. Start Conversion: Choose your desired output location and click 'Start' to convert the document immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get a reference error when converting a PDF in Adobe Reader?
Reference errors in older versions like Adobe Reader XI typically occur when the software fails to communicate with Adobe's online conversion servers. This can be due to network disruptions, a timed-out login session, or server-side maintenance.
Can I convert PDFs to Word without an internet connection?
Yes. While Adobe Reader XI's basic export feature relies on cloud services, desktop software like WPS Office includes built-in, offline PDF conversion tools that do not require an internet connection.
Is Adobe Reader XI still officially supported?
No, Adobe Reader XI has reached the end of its official support lifecycle. Continuing to use unsupported software can lead to frequent connectivity errors with modern cloud services, making upgrading to a newer application highly recommended.
Will I lose my document formatting when converting PDF to Word?
High-quality conversion tools aim to preserve your layout, fonts, and images. While simple text documents convert perfectly, complex files with intricate tables or overlapping graphics might require minor manual adjustments in Word after conversion.




