How to Fix Acrobat 9 Not Working After Installing Adobe Reader DC
Question details
The user is unable to use Acrobat 9 to open or edit PDFs after installing Adobe Reader DC.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat 9
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to open and edit a PDF file after a new installation of Adobe Reader DC.
- Observed behavior
- PDF files automatically open in Reader DC instead of Acrobat 9, and editing features are disabled or prompt for a paid upgrade.
Ensure you still have the original installation media and license key for Acrobat 9, and confirm it is compatible with your current Windows version before making major system changes.
Set Acrobat 9 as Your Default PDF Application
Reassign Acrobat 9 as the primary program for opening PDF files so they do not automatically default to Reader DC.
Installing Adobe Reader DC often overrides your system's default file associations. Resetting the default application ensures that double-clicking a PDF opens it in your fully licensed Acrobat 9 instead of the free viewer.
Find any PDF file on your computer, right-click it, and select 'Open with' from the context menu.
Click 'Choose another app' to expand the list of available programs.
Select Adobe Acrobat 9 from the list. Be sure to check the box that says 'Always use this app to open .pdf files' before clicking OK.
Open Files Directly from Acrobat 9
Bypass Adobe Reader DC entirely by launching your licensed Acrobat 9 software first.
Edit PDFs Easily with WPS Office
Avoid software conflicts between multiple PDF viewers. WPS Office includes a powerful, built-in PDF editor that lets you view, edit, annotate, and manage PDF files seamlessly in one application.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install the free WPS Office suite from the official website.
- 2. Open the PDF tools: Launch the application and click on the 'PDF' tab from the main workspace.
- 3. Edit your document: Open your PDF file and use the comprehensive editing tools directly from the top ribbon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Adobe Reader DC take over my PDF files?
Installing a new PDF application often prompts Windows to set the newly installed software as the default application for that specific file format.
Can I keep both Acrobat 9 and Reader DC on my computer?
Yes, they can co-exist on the same system. However, you must manually ensure that Acrobat 9 is set as the default program if you want files to open there automatically when double-clicked.
Why does Reader DC ask me to pay for editing?
Adobe Reader DC is primarily a free viewing application. Advanced editing features require a paid subscription unless you open the file in your previously licensed Acrobat 9 software.
