Fix Adobe PDF Printer Settings File Read Errors in Word 2016
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where printing a document from Word 2016 to the Adobe PDF printer fails due to an unreadable or invalid joboptions file.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2016 / Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Converting a Microsoft Word document to a PDF file using the Adobe PDF printer driver.
- Observed behavior
- The printing process aborts, generating an error that Acrobat cannot read a corrupted or invalid joboptions settings file.
Ensure you have administrative privileges on your computer, as replacing system-level configuration files or repairing Adobe Acrobat requires elevated permissions.
Use the Acrobat Create PDF Macro in Word
Bypassing the Adobe PDF printer and using the built-in Acrobat macro is the most reliable way to create a PDF without encountering printer settings errors.
The Adobe PDF printer relies on external settings files that can easily become corrupted. Using the native Acrobat plugin built directly into Word avoids the print spooler entirely.
Launch Microsoft Word 2016 and open the document you wish to convert.
Locate and click on the 'Acrobat' tab located in the top ribbon menu of Microsoft Word.
Click the 'Create PDF' button to initiate the direct conversion process.
Follow the on-screen prompts to choose a destination folder and save your newly created PDF file.
Replace Damaged Joboptions File and Repair Acrobat
If you specifically need to use the 'Print to PDF' function, replacing the invalid settings file and repairing the installation will resolve the read error.
Convert Documents to PDF Natively in WPS Office
Skip the hassle of configuring PDF printers and troubleshooting joboptions files. WPS Office features a built-in, highly reliable PDF converter that instantly exports your documents to PDF without requiring external plugins or Adobe software.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document you want to convert.
- 2. Access the Menu: Click the 'Menu' button located in the top-left corner of the interface.
- 3. Select Export to PDF: Choose the 'Export to PDF' option from the dropdown list.
- 4. Configure and Export: Adjust your desired PDF export settings, such as page range and save location, then click 'Export to PDF'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a joboptions file in Adobe Acrobat?
A joboptions file contains specific configuration settings for Adobe Acrobat Distiller and the Adobe PDF printer. It dictates how the resulting PDF should be compressed, which fonts should be embedded, and the overall print quality during the conversion process.
Why does the Adobe PDF printer fail in Word 2016?
Failures typically occur because the Adobe PDF printer relies on external settings files (.joboptions) that can become corrupted by system updates or unexpected crashes. It can also happen due to compatibility issues between the Word 2016 print spooler and Acrobat's background processes.
Can I convert Word documents to PDF without Adobe Acrobat?
Yes. Most modern office suites, including WPS Office and newer versions of Microsoft Office, have a built-in 'Export to PDF' or 'Save as PDF' feature. These native tools completely bypass the need for external PDF printer drivers like Adobe PDF.
