Fix Adobe Acrobat Shared Review Freezing on SharePoint Online
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where the PDF application hangs while attempting to set up a shared review through a SharePoint Online subsite.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat 2017, SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Initiating a PDF shared review workflow and attempting to route it through a SharePoint Online directory.
- Observed behavior
- The application freezes indefinitely at the "Creating shared folder" prompt, preventing the shared review from completing, even though standard network-drive reviews function properly.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection and that your SharePoint Online account is active with the necessary read/write permissions for the target document library.
Validate SharePoint URL and Verify Library Permissions
Manually confirming the SharePoint subsite URL and checking your write permissions often resolves folder creation hangs.
Acrobat relies on the exact Document Library URL to create the necessary subfolders for a shared review. If the URL points to a generic site page or if the account lacks write access, the process enters an endless loop.
Log in to your SharePoint Online account via a web browser and navigate directly to the specific subsite and document library you intend to use.
Click 'New' and select 'Folder' within the SharePoint web interface. If you cannot create a folder here, contact your IT administrator to request Write or Full Control permissions.
Once inside the correct document library, copy the complete URL directly from your browser's address bar.
Return to your PDF application, start the Shared Review setup, and paste the validated URL into the SharePoint server field.
Update Application and Office Components
Install the latest software updates to patch known integration bugs between desktop applications and SharePoint Online.
Use WPS Office for Effortless PDF Sharing and Review
Skip complex SharePoint configurations and frequent freezing issues. WPS Office provides a powerful, built-in PDF reader and editor that makes annotating and sharing documents with colleagues incredibly simple.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF file you want to review.
- 2. Add your annotations: Navigate to the 'Comment' tab to utilize text boxes, highlights, and sticky notes for your review.
- 3. Share with colleagues: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner of the interface.
- 4. Generate a collaboration link: Select 'Create Link' to instantly generate a secure sharing link that you can send to your team, bypassing legacy shared folder requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the PDF application specifically freeze at "Creating shared folder"?
This freeze usually occurs because the application encounters an authentication block or permission denial from SharePoint Online, causing the background process to hang while repeatedly attempting to create the required directory structure.
Can I use OneDrive instead of SharePoint for PDF shared reviews?
Yes, many modern workflows utilize OneDrive for Business. You can sync a OneDrive folder to your local computer and use the standard network/local drive option for the shared review instead of routing it through SharePoint.
What should I do if my SharePoint subsite URL is still marked as invalid?
Ensure you are using the precise Document Library URL rather than the root site URL. Navigate to the specific library in your browser, copy that exact path, and remove any trailing web parameters.
Does the Windows 10 firewall block SharePoint shared reviews?
Occasionally, strict firewall configurations or third-party antivirus software can block outgoing connections to SharePoint servers. Try temporarily disabling your firewall or adding an exception for your PDF application to see if the connection goes through.
