Fix Adobe Acrobat Opening Random .tmp Files When Viewing PDFs
Question details
The user needs to stop Adobe Acrobat from launching a random temporary (.tmp) file in a separate window every time a PDF document is opened.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC 2015 Classic
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Opening standard PDF files on a desktop computer.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat unexpectedly opens an additional window containing a random .tmp file alongside the intended PDF document.
Verify whether your PDF files are saved locally on your hard drive or stored on a shared network drive, as network folder permissions can sometimes trigger temporary file display errors.
Modify Security and Protected View Preferences
Adding the folder path to Acrobat's trusted locations and temporarily disabling enhanced security can resolve .tmp file generation issues.
Strict sandboxing environments in Adobe Acrobat can sometimes misinterpret local or network drive permissions, causing hidden temporary files to become visible.
Launch Adobe Acrobat and navigate to Edit > Preferences from the top menu bar.
Select Security (Enhanced) from the left-hand category list.
Click the Add File or Add Folder Path button to include the location of your PDFs as trusted files.
In the same window, temporarily uncheck Enable Protected View and disable Enhanced Security. Click OK, restart Acrobat, and test by opening a PDF.
Clear Plug-in Cache and Check Antivirus Software
Conflicting antivirus software or corrupted third-party plug-in caches might force Acrobat to spawn visible .tmp files.
Uninstall and Reinstall Using the Cleaner Tool
If the Acrobat installation is corrupted, a clean installation is required to stop the irregular .tmp file behavior.
Try WPS Office for a Flawless PDF Experience
If your current PDF software continues to present issues like opening unwanted .tmp files, consider switching to WPS Office. It includes a robust PDF reader and editor that is lightweight, highly compatible, and completely free to use.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to set up WPS Office on your Windows 10 device.
- 3. Open Your PDFs: Right-click any PDF file, select 'Open with', and choose WPS PDF to enjoy a smooth viewing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do .tmp files appear when I open a PDF document?
Temporary (.tmp) files are usually created by software in the background to hold data temporarily during rendering or editing. If a PDF reader opens them visibly in a new window, it often indicates a glitch in security sandboxing, network drive permissions, or an interfering third-party plug-in.
Can I safely delete the .tmp files generated by Acrobat?
Yes, you can manually delete the .tmp files once Adobe Acrobat is closed. Press Ctrl+D while the .tmp file is open to view its Document Properties and locate the exact folder path before closing the application and deleting the file.
Does this issue happen on all versions of Adobe Acrobat?
While it can happen across various versions due to corrupted caches or security conflicts, this specific behavior is frequently reported in older versions like Acrobat Pro DC 2015 Classic running on Windows 10. Updating to the latest software version often patches these bugs.
What should I do if disabling Enhanced Security doesn't work?
If adjusting the Enhanced Security settings does not stop the .tmp files from appearing, try using the Adobe Acrobat Cleaner Tool to perform a complete uninstall, then reinstall the software. Also, consider checking if an installed third-party plug-in or your antivirus is causing the conflict.
