How to Prevent BroadcastMsg Temp Files When Opening PDFs
Question details
The user wants to prevent Adobe Acrobat from automatically generating zero-byte BroadcastMsg_XXX files in the Windows Temp directory whenever a PDF document is opened.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Opening and viewing PDF files in Adobe Acrobat or Reader.
- Observed behavior
- A zero-byte file named BroadcastMsg_XXX is unexpectedly created in the user's Windows Temp folder upon opening a PDF.
Save any open documents and ensure you have administrator privileges on your Windows account, as you will need to install application updates and restart your computer.
Install Acrobat Updates and Restart
Updating Adobe Acrobat to the latest version frequently resolves known bugs related to background processes and temporary file generation.
Software developers regularly release patches to fix glitches like the unexpected creation of zero-byte files. Ensuring your Acrobat installation is fully up to date is the primary solution.
Launch Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader on your computer and click on the 'Help' tab located in the top menu bar.
Select 'Check for Updates' from the dropdown menu. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
Once the installation is complete, restart your Windows computer to ensure the background processes are fully refreshed.
Reset Acrobat Preferences to Default Settings
If updating does not resolve the issue, corrupted application preferences may be causing the abnormal behavior.
Read and Edit PDFs Cleanly with WPS Office
If your current PDF reader continues to clutter your Windows Temp folder with unwanted background files, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly efficient PDF reader and editor that won't disrupt your system folders.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for Windows.
- 2. Install and Set as Default: Run the installer and follow the prompts. You can choose to set WPS Office as your default PDF application during setup.
- 3. Open Your PDFs: Double-click any PDF file to instantly view and edit it in a clean, clutter-free environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BroadcastMsg file in my Windows Temp folder?
A BroadcastMsg file is typically a zero-byte temporary file created by Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader background processes (such as Adobe Acrobat Update Service or messaging processes) whenever a PDF is opened.
Are BroadcastMsg temporary files harmful to my computer?
No. These files are completely harmless. They are empty (zero-byte) system files generated by application messaging processes. However, if generated excessively, they can visually clutter your Temp directory.
Can I safely delete BroadcastMsg files from the Temp folder?
Yes, you can safely delete these files from your Windows Temp directory. It is best to ensure Adobe Acrobat is completely closed before you delete them to avoid any file-in-use errors.
