How to Fix Acrobat Pro 2017 Repair Error 1901 When Creating PDFs
Question details
The user is unable to create PDFs automatically from Word using Acrobat Pro 2017, and attempting to repair the software results in a Windows Installer Error 1901.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to create a PDF file from a Microsoft Word document using the Adobe Acrobat add-in, and subsequently trying to repair the Adobe installation.
- Observed behavior
- PDF creation fails with an Adobe PDF resource error. Running a repair on Acrobat Pro 2017 fails with Windows Installer Error 1901 because it cannot read the installation database patch file (406d6.msp).
Ensure you are logged into Windows with Administrator privileges and have your original Acrobat Pro 2017 installation media or setup files available before attempting to reinstall.
Perform a Clean Reinstallation of Acrobat Pro 2017
Since the installer database patch (.msp) is missing or damaged, a standard repair won't work. A complete removal and clean installation is the most reliable fix.
Windows Installer Error 1901 typically indicates that a crucial installation database file has become corrupted or deleted from the Windows cache. When this happens, the built-in repair tool fails because it cannot read the necessary baseline data to restore missing files.
Back up your Acrobat preferences, custom stamps, and any specialized profile settings to a safe folder on your desktop.
Open the Windows Control Panel, navigate to 'Programs and Features', select 'Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017', and click 'Uninstall'.
Download and run the official Adobe Acrobat Cleaner Tool from Adobe's website to completely wipe leftover installation files and broken registry entries.
Restart Windows to ensure all locked files are released and pending deletions are processed.
Locate your legitimate Acrobat Pro 2017 setup executable, right-click it, select 'Run as administrator', and follow the prompts to complete the fresh installation.
Use Word's Built-in PDF Export Feature
If the Acrobat add-in continues to fail, you can bypass it and create PDFs directly using Microsoft Word's native export features.
Create PDFs Instantly with WPS Office Built-in Tools
Skip the hassle of managing third-party plugins or fixing installer errors. WPS Office comes with native, built-in PDF conversion features that allow you to export text documents to high-quality PDFs in just one click.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office on your computer.
- 2. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document (.doc or .docx).
- 3. Export to PDF: Click the 'Export to PDF' button directly on the main toolbar or under the 'Menu' tab.
- 4. Save your PDF: Adjust any desired export settings, select a destination folder, and click 'Export' to save your file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes Windows Installer Error 1901 during Acrobat repair?
Error 1901 occurs when the Windows Installer attempts to read an installation database file (such as a .msp patch file) that is either corrupted, missing from the Windows Installer cache, or inaccessible due to permission issues.
Can I still make PDFs if the Acrobat Pro 2017 add-in is broken?
Yes. You can bypass the broken Acrobat plugin by using the native 'Save As' > 'PDF' feature in Microsoft Word, or by using alternative software like WPS Office to export your documents to PDF natively.
Where can I find the official Adobe Acrobat Cleaner Tool?
The Adobe Acrobat Cleaner Tool can be downloaded directly from the official Adobe support website. It is a specialized utility designed to safely force-remove standalone installations of Acrobat and Reader when standard uninstallation fails.
