Fix Acrobat Stuck Converting Word or Excel Files When Combining PDFs
Question details
Adobe Acrobat freezes or stops making progress during the file conversion stage when trying to combine different document formats.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- Windows Terminal Server
- Scenario
- Combining multiple file types, including PDF, Microsoft Word, and Excel files, into a single PDF document.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat successfully merges existing PDF files but gets indefinitely stuck at the 'Converting file 1 of 2' prompt when it processes Word or Excel files.
Make sure your terminal server connection is stable and save all ongoing work in Microsoft Word and Excel before attempting to update or restart your applications.
Update Adobe Acrobat Pro DC to the Latest Release
Installing the newest update patches known compatibility bugs between Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office background conversion processes.
Older versions of Acrobat may experience compatibility issues with newer terminal server setups or Office versions. Updating ensures background PDF creation modules work correctly without freezing.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro DC on your computer or terminal server session.
Navigate to the top menu, click on 'Help', and select 'Check for Updates' from the dropdown list.
Follow the on-screen instructions to download the latest patch. Once installed, completely log off and back into your terminal-server session to apply the changes.
Test with Local Files to Bypass Server Restrictions
Moving files to a local drive can determine if network permissions or terminal server policies are blocking the conversion process.
Easily Combine Word, Excel, and PDFs into One File with WPS Office
If Acrobat continues to freeze, try using WPS Office. Its integrated PDF suite allows you to effortlessly merge Microsoft Word, Excel, and PDF formats into a single document without relying on external plugins or background conversion triggers.
- 1. Open PDF Tools: Launch WPS Office and navigate to the 'Tools' tab on the main interface.
- 2. Select PDF Merge: Click on the 'Merge PDF' or 'Combine PDF' option to open the combination dialog.
- 3. Add Your Documents: Click 'Add Files' and select your Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and existing PDFs.
- 4. Merge Files: Arrange the files in your preferred order and click 'Merge' to instantly create your unified PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Acrobat freeze when converting Excel files on a terminal server?
Acrobat uses Microsoft Office's background processes to convert files. On a terminal server, strict security policies or lack of permissions can block these automated background tasks, causing Acrobat to wait indefinitely for the conversion to finish.
Does updating Adobe Acrobat fix all file combination issues?
While updating resolves most known software bugs and compatibility errors, issues caused by corrupted Office files, restricted folder permissions, or strict Windows server policies may require administrative troubleshooting to fully resolve.
Can I convert the Word and Excel files to PDF before combining them?
Yes. A reliable workaround is to open the Word or Excel files natively in their respective programs, export them individually as PDFs using 'Save As', and then combine those fully converted PDFs in Acrobat.
