Fix Adobe Acrobat 2017 Crashing After Leaving Protected Mode
Question details
Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 crashes when a user attempts to exit Protected Mode by clicking 'Enable All Features' on an externally received PDF document.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Opening externally received PDF files and attempting to enable editing or viewing features restricted by Protected Mode.
- Observed behavior
- The application crashes shortly after clicking Enable All Features. The Windows Event Viewer reports an Application Error 1000 involving the AcroRd32.exe executable and the windows.storage.dll module.
Save any open work in other applications and ensure you have administrator privileges on your Windows computer, as you will need them to run system file checks and install system updates.
Install the Latest Windows and Acrobat Updates
Updating both your operating system and Acrobat Pro 2017 can resolve compatibility issues and patch bugs related to system modules.
Since the crash involves the windows.storage.dll module, outdated system files or an unpatched version of Acrobat may be causing conflicts when the software attempts to transition out of the Protected Mode sandbox.
Open your Windows Settings, navigate to 'Update & Security', and click 'Check for updates'. Install any pending updates and restart your computer.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017, click on the 'Help' menu at the top, and select 'Check for Updates'. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the latest version.
Reboot your computer and try opening the external PDF again, then select 'Enable All Features' to see if the crash persists.
Run a System File Checker (SFC) Scan
Because the Windows Event Viewer reports windows.storage.dll as the faulty module, repairing corrupted Windows system files can stop the crash.
Temporarily Disable Protected Mode
If updates and repairs do not work, disabling Protected Mode can serve as a temporary workaround to prevent the crash upon opening external files.
Use WPS Office as a Stable PDF Alternative
If Adobe Acrobat 2017 continues to crash due to system file conflicts, consider switching to WPS Office. WPS offers a robust, lightweight PDF reader and editor that provides stable performance without triggering protected mode or DLL errors on Windows.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click 'Download WPS Office Free' to get the latest installation package.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your Windows PC.
- 3. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and select your external PDF file to view and edit it safely without crashing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Protected Mode in PDF readers?
Protected Mode is a security feature that opens files in a restricted 'sandbox' environment. It limits what the PDF file can do on your computer, preventing malicious code in externally received documents from compromising your system.
Why does windows.storage.dll cause Adobe Acrobat to crash?
The windows.storage.dll file is a core Windows system component responsible for storage operations. If it is corrupted or outdated, applications attempting to access files or change permissions (such as exiting Protected Mode to enable editing features) may encounter a fatal Application Error 1000.
Is it safe to permanently disable Protected Mode?
No, it is highly recommended to keep Protected Mode enabled. Disabling it exposes your system to potential security risks if you accidentally open a malicious PDF file. Only disable it temporarily to troubleshoot or access trusted documents.
