Fix WerFault.exe Error with Reader DC and Acrobat Pro 2017
Question details
Users encounter a WerFault.exe error in a Citrix environment when Adobe Reader DC is set as the default PDF application alongside Acrobat Pro 2017.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Configuring default PDF applications in a managed Citrix environment with multiple major Adobe versions installed.
- Observed behavior
- The system triggers a WerFault.exe crash due to integration overlaps and competing file-association conflicts between the two applications.
Ensure you have administrative privileges to your Citrix server or deployment management console, as fixing application conflicts requires modifying system-wide installations and default app policies.
Standardize on a Single PDF Application
The most effective way to eliminate integration conflicts is to keep only one supported version of a PDF reader or editor installed.
Installing multiple major Acrobat and Reader versions on the same system creates competing file associations.
Standardizing on one supported application prevents the WerFault.exe crash triggered by these integration overlaps.
Open the Control Panel or your deployment management console on the affected Citrix server.
Navigate to Programs and Features, and uninstall the redundant PDF application (either Reader DC or Acrobat Pro 2017).
Download and install the latest security patches and version updates for the remaining PDF software to ensure maximum stability.
Log in using a controlled user profile and test opening a PDF file to ensure the default-app association works smoothly without triggering the WerFault.exe error.
Configure Default PDF File Associations via GPO
If both applications must remain installed, strictly control the default application settings through Group Policy to prevent conflict triggers.
Avoid PDF Conflicts with WPS Office
Managing multiple heavy PDF editors can cause system errors like WerFault.exe. Switch to WPS Office, a lightweight, unified suite that includes a built-in PDF reader and editor alongside full Microsoft Office document compatibility.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Suite: Run the installer. The unified suite automatically configures clean, stable file associations for PDFs and Office documents.
- 3. Set as Default PDF Viewer: Right-click any PDF file, select 'Open with', choose WPS Office, and check 'Always use this app' for conflict-free viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does having Adobe Reader DC and Acrobat Pro 2017 cause a WerFault.exe error?
Installing multiple major versions of Adobe PDF applications on the same system leads to registry conflicts, competing file-associations, and integration overlaps. In a shared or managed environment like Citrix, these conflicts frequently trigger system-level application crashes, manifesting as a WerFault.exe error.
Can I safely run both Acrobat Reader and Acrobat Pro on the same machine?
While technically possible in some environments, it is generally not recommended, especially in enterprise or Citrix setups. It often causes default handler loops and errors. Standardizing on a single PDF application is the best practice for maintaining system stability.
How do I ensure a stable default PDF viewer in Citrix?
To prevent user profile corruption and application errors, use Group Policy Objects (GPO) to deploy an XML configuration file. This enforces default file associations for the .pdf extension, routing them to a single, centrally managed PDF application.
