How to Fix the Adobe PDF Resource Files Error in Excel 365
Question details
The user needs to fix an error stating 'Unable to find the Adobe PDF resource files' when trying to create or print a PDF file from Microsoft Excel.
- Product
- Excel 365, Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating or printing PDF documents from Excel 365 using the Adobe PDF printer driver.
- Observed behavior
- Excel displays an 'Unable to find the Adobe PDF resource files' error, halting the conversion process and preventing the user from generating the PDF.
Ensure that your Adobe Acrobat application is fully updated and save any open work in your Excel workbook before attempting to modify PDF printer settings or repair installations.
Use Excel's Built-in 'Save as Adobe PDF' or Export Option
Bypass the Adobe PDF printer entirely by utilizing Excel's native PDF export tools or the Acrobat add-in command, which often avoids printer driver resource errors.
Instead of utilizing the standard Windows Print dialog to print to the Adobe PDF driver, using the direct save and export features integrated into Excel is more reliable.
Click on 'File' in the Excel 365 ribbon, then select 'Save as Adobe PDF' from the left-hand menu if the Acrobat add-in is installed and active.
Alternatively, click on 'File', navigate to 'Export', and select 'Create PDF/XPS Document'. Click the 'Create PDF/XPS' button to use Excel's built-in PDF converter.
Choose a destination folder, name your file, and click 'Publish' to successfully generate the PDF.
Repair the Adobe Acrobat Installation
Corrupted or missing Adobe resource files can trigger this error; running a quick repair on the Acrobat installation often restores functionality.
Convert Spreadsheets to PDF Effortlessly with WPS Office
Avoid third-party printer errors completely. WPS Office features a robust, natively integrated PDF converter that allows you to save and export your spreadsheets as high-quality PDFs without relying on external Adobe Acrobat resource files.
- 1. Open your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your Excel format (.xlsx) file.
- 2. Access the Export Tool: Click on the 'Menu' button in the top left corner and select 'Export to PDF'.
- 3. Configure PDF Settings: Adjust your export settings in the dialog box, such as selecting the active sheet or specific export ranges.
- 4. Export the File: Click the 'Export to PDF' button to instantly create your PDF without encountering third-party resource errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Adobe PDF printer show a missing resource files error in Excel?
This error typically occurs when the Adobe Acrobat installation is corrupted, outdated, or when Excel fails to communicate properly with the Adobe PDF printer driver's background files during the print spooling process.
Can I create a PDF in Excel 365 without Adobe Acrobat installed?
Yes, Excel 365 includes a native 'Export to PDF/XPS' feature under the File menu that relies on Microsoft's own conversion engine and does not require Adobe Acrobat to be installed on your computer.
Is there a difference between Adobe Acrobat DC and Acrobat 2017 when fixing this error?
While Acrobat DC is a subscription-based service with cloud features and 2017 is a perpetual desktop license, the troubleshooting steps for this printer error—such as using Excel's built-in export or repairing the Adobe installation—apply equally to both versions.
