Fix Adobe Reader DC Installer Requesting Old XI MSI File
Question details
The user is unable to install Adobe Reader DC because the installer keeps prompting for an obsolete AcroRead.msi file from a previous version.
- Product
- Adobe Reader DC
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to install or upgrade to Adobe Reader DC after previously having Adobe Reader XI installed.
- Observed behavior
- The installer stalls and requests the old AcroRead.msi file from a network location, even after previous Reader folders and registry entries were manually removed.
Ensure you are logged into your Windows account as an Administrator, and refrain from manually deleting any more installation folders or registry entries to prevent further Windows Installer corruption.
Use the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter
This is the safest and most effective method to remove stale Windows Installer registrations without causing further damage to the system registry.
When the Windows Installer database retains an invalid entry for a previously installed program like Reader XI, subsequent installations usually fail. Microsoft provides a dedicated troubleshooter designed specifically to fix these corrupt registry keys automatically.
Navigate to the official Microsoft Support website and download the 'Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter'.
Launch the downloaded troubleshooter. Click 'Next' on the initial screen and select 'Uninstalling' when prompted about the type of problem you are experiencing.
Scroll through the provided list of programs and select Adobe Reader XI (or the corresponding older version). Click 'Next' to let the troubleshooter safely remove the stale MSI registration from your system.
Once the troubleshooter reports that the issue has been fixed, restart your computer and run the Adobe Reader DC installer again.
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Skip the frustrating installer errors. WPS Office includes a powerful, built-in PDF reader and editor that installs cleanly, allowing you to view, annotate, and convert PDF files without dealing with legacy MSI database issues.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free, lightweight installer.
- 2. Install Quickly: Run the installer. The process is streamlined and entirely independent of legacy Adobe registry entries on your system.
- 3. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS Office, click on 'Open', and select your PDF file. You can now view, highlight, and edit your document immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the newer Adobe installer ask for an old MSI file?
This happens when the Windows Installer database still holds registration records for a previously installed version. The new installer detects this stale record and attempts to modify or remove it, which requires the original installation file to proceed.
Can I just delete the registry keys manually to bypass the error?
It is highly discouraged. Manually deleting registry entries related to installed programs can corrupt the Windows Installer database, making the application nearly impossible to uninstall or upgrade normally without specialized tools.
What should I do if the Microsoft troubleshooter doesn't list Adobe Reader?
If the program isn't listed, you can select 'Not Listed' in the troubleshooter and provide the product code if known. Alternatively, you may need to use a reliable third-party uninstaller tool to safely force-remove the orphaned MSI registration.
