How to Fix Error 109 and Insufficient Image Data in Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017
Question details
Users encounter Error 109, blank pages, or an 'insufficient data for an image' prompt when trying to open certain PDF files, and reinstalling the software does not resolve the issue.

- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening PDF files after installing a recent Acrobat Pro 2017 update.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF viewer fails to load the document correctly, displaying Error 109, warnings about insufficient image data, or completely blank pages.
Before attempting any complex troubleshooting, try opening the problematic PDF file in a web browser or an alternative PDF viewer to determine if the issue is specific to Adobe Acrobat or if the file itself is corrupted.
Test with an Alternative Viewer and Regenerate the File
Determine if the file is corrupted by opening it elsewhere, and request a clean copy from the creator if necessary.
Error 109 and 'insufficient data for an image' usually indicate that the PDF file itself is corrupted or was generated by third-party software with a defect. Because the file is fundamentally flawed, repairing or reinstalling Adobe Acrobat will not fix the issue.
Right-click the problematic PDF file, select 'Open with', and choose a web browser like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
Try opening the file in another dedicated PDF editor, such as WPS Office, to see if it bypasses the error.
If the file fails to open in other viewers or displays blank pages, contact the sender and ask them to regenerate and resend the PDF.

Re-save the PDF Using 'Save As'
Saving the file as a new document can sometimes repair minor structural issues in the PDF if it opens partially.
Open and Edit PDFs Smoothly with WPS Office
WPS Office includes a powerful built-in PDF reader and editor. If your current software fails to open documents due to Error 109, you can quickly bypass these restrictions and view your files using WPS PDF.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and install it on your computer.
- 2. Launch WPS PDF: Open WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab from the home screen.
- 3. Open the Problematic File: Click 'Open', browse to the PDF file that is causing Error 109, and double-click to view its contents.
- 4. Save or Export: If the file opens successfully, you can re-save it within WPS Office to fix potential structural errors from the original software.

Frequently Asked Questions
What does Error 109 mean in Adobe Acrobat?
Error 109 typically means there is a problem reading the PDF file. This is often due to file corruption, structural issues, or because the PDF was created using non-standard or buggy third-party software.
Why does my PDF say 'There is insufficient data for an image'?
This error occurs when the PDF viewer cannot render an image because the image data within the file is incomplete, missing, or corrupted during the creation or transfer process.
Can reinstalling Adobe Acrobat fix Error 109?
Usually, no. If the error is caused by a corrupted or poorly generated PDF file, reinstalling or repairing the software will not resolve the issue. The file itself needs to be fixed or regenerated.
How can I fix a corrupted PDF file?
You can try opening it in a different PDF viewer, using a dedicated PDF repair tool, or simply requesting the original sender to recreate and resend the document.




