How to Fix PDFMaker Fails with Acrobat Pro 2017 and Office 2019
Question details
Users are unable to use the PDFMaker add-in to convert documents, encountering a security restriction error that administrator repair mode cannot resolve.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017, Microsoft Office 2019
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Converting Office documents to PDF using the Adobe PDFMaker add-in in Office Home and Business 2019.
- Observed behavior
- PDFMaker fails to work, displaying a security restriction error for standard users. Administrator repair mode does not resolve the problem, indicating potential compatibility or update issues.
Ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows 10 computer to install software updates, and save any open Office documents before starting the repair process.
Update Software and Repair Acrobat Installation
Installing the latest security patches and repairing Adobe Acrobat can fix vulnerabilities and re-establish the PDFMaker connection with Office.
Software updates often contain fixes for known security restriction errors and compatibility bugs. Because Office 2019 was released after Acrobat Pro 2017, ensuring both are fully patched is critical.
Open Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017. Go to the 'Help' menu at the top and select 'Check for Updates'. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the latest patches.
Navigate to Windows Settings > Update & Security and click 'Check for updates'. Next, open any Office 2019 app (like Word), go to File > Account > Update Options, and click 'Update Now'.
Once updates are installed, open Acrobat Pro 2017 again. Click on the 'Help' menu and select 'Repair Installation'. Allow the process to complete and restart your computer.
Open Microsoft Word. Go to File > Options > Add-ins. At the bottom, change the 'Manage' dropdown to 'COM Add-ins' and click 'Go'. Ensure 'Acrobat PDFMaker Office COM Addin' is checked and click 'OK'.
Use Office's Built-in PDF Export Feature
If compatibility issues persist between the older Acrobat 2017 and newer Office 2019, bypass the PDFMaker add-in entirely by using Office's native PDF export tool.
Easily Create and Convert PDFs with WPS Office
Avoid frustrating add-in compatibility issues and security restrictions by using WPS Office. It features seamless, built-in PDF tools that work effortlessly without requiring expensive third-party plugins.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your PC.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer, Spreadsheets, or Presentation and open your existing Office file.
- 3. Export to PDF Natively: Click the 'Export to PDF' button directly on the main toolbar to instantly convert your document without needing any extra add-ins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Acrobat PDFMaker tab missing from my Office 2019 ribbon?
The PDFMaker add-in may have been disabled by Office due to a crash, an outdated version, or security restrictions. You can manually re-enable it by navigating to File > Options > Add-ins > Manage COM Add-ins in your Office application.
Is Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 fully compatible with Office 2019?
Compatibility can be limited because Acrobat Pro 2017 was developed before Office 2019 was released. While basic functions often work, strict security updates in Office 2019 can break older add-ins. Upgrading to a newer Acrobat version or using native export tools is recommended.
How do I bypass the standard user security restriction error when making a PDF?
This error is often tied to Adobe's Enhanced Security settings or Windows permissions. Updating Acrobat and Office to their latest versions usually resolves it. Alternatively, running the application as an administrator or using the 'Save As PDF' feature natively in Office avoids triggering the add-in restriction.
