Fix Acrobat Standard 2017 Cannot Open PDF Review Files
Question details
The user is unable to open PDF files returned from an Acrobat DC review using Acrobat Standard 2017, encountering a command error message.

- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Standard 2017
- Device & OS
- Windows 7
- Scenario
- Opening a PDF returned from a cloud-based review managed with Acrobat DC.
- Observed behavior
- The application displays the error message 'There was a problem sending the command to the program' and fails to open the document.
Before troubleshooting, ensure you have a stable internet connection if accessing cloud-based review files, and save a local copy of the PDF to your desktop to prevent any data loss during the process.
Test the Review File Locally and Update Acrobat
Isolate the issue by opening a local copy of the file and ensuring your software is fully up to date to rule out compatibility issues.
Acrobat command errors often stem from temporary glitches when accessing cloud directories. Testing the file locally helps determine if the issue is with the cloud service or the software itself.
Download or copy the returned PDF review file from the cloud folder or your email directly to your local Desktop.
Double-click the local PDF file to see if it opens successfully in Acrobat Standard 2017 without relying on the cloud connection.
Open Adobe Acrobat, navigate to the 'Help' menu, select 'Check for Updates', and install any available patches to ensure maximum compatibility with files generated by Acrobat DC.

Switch from Cloud-based Reviews to Tracker Reviews
If Adobe Document Cloud synchronization is causing the command error, switching back to the traditional tracker method may resolve the opening issue.
Disable Protected View in Acrobat Security Settings
Adjusting enhanced security settings in Acrobat can resolve command-sending errors that occur on older Windows operating systems like Windows 7.
Open and Review PDF Documents Easily with WPS Office
If you are struggling with Acrobat version compatibility, command errors, or cloud synchronization issues, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible PDF reader and editor to seamlessly open, comment on, and share your PDF files.
- 1. Download and install: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and install it on your computer.
- 2. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open' on the home screen, and browse to select your PDF review file.
- 3. Review and annotate: Navigate to the 'Comment' tab on the top ribbon to easily add notes, highlights, and annotations to the document.
- 4. Save and share: Click 'Menu' and select 'Save As' to save your annotated PDF locally, making it easy to share via email for a smooth review process.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Acrobat Standard 2017 show 'problem sending the command' when opening PDFs?
This error typically occurs due to Windows DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) communication failures, conflicts with Adobe Document Cloud synchronization, or having multiple versions of Acrobat/Reader installed simultaneously on the same machine.
Are Acrobat DC cloud reviews compatible with Acrobat Standard 2017?
While standard PDFs are generally backward compatible for basic viewing, specific cloud-based collaboration features initiated in Acrobat DC might cause synchronization or permission errors when opened in older standalone versions like Acrobat Standard 2017.
How can I bypass the cloud review error in Acrobat?
You can bypass cloud-related errors by downloading the PDF directly to your local drive and opening it from there, or by asking the document owner to use the traditional email-based tracker review instead of Adobe Document Cloud.
Does using Windows 7 affect Acrobat PDF reviews?
Yes, using Acrobat Standard 2017 on an older operating system like Windows 7 can trigger system-level command errors, especially if Windows updates are missing or if the software is attempting to access modern cloud services designed for Windows 10 or later.




