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Error 1714 | Acrobat, Reader

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When you install or update Adobe Reader or Acrobat products, the Microsoft Windows Installer displays the following error:

"Error 1714: The older version of Adobe [Acrobat/Reader] cannot be removed. Contact your technical support group."

You sometimes also receive one of the following error messages:

  • "Error 1612 Missing source media."
  • "The installation source for this product is not available. Verify that the source exists and that you can access it." 
  • "The feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable. Click OK to try again, or enter an alternate path to a folder containing the installation package 'Adobe [product] .msi' in the box below."

Solutions

Solution 1: Try using the Microsoft Fix it wizard. 

The Microsoft Fix it wizard is available at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971187. The wizard updates the Windows registry so that you can usually uninstall previous versions of the program, or install or update the current version successfully.  

Disclaimer: Adobe does not support third-party software and provides this information as a courtesy only.

Solution 2: Select the MSI file from the original installation files.

If the error message allows you to browse to the .msi file, then complete the following steps:

  1. In the error message box, click Browse.
  2. Navigate to the original installation files for the product and version you are trying to install and select the .msi file
  3. Continue with the installation.

Solution 3: Remove all previous versions of Acrobat and Adobe Reader using Add/Remove programs.

  1. From the Control Panel, choose Add/Remove programs.
  2. Select the most recent version of Acrobat or Adobe Reader in the list and click Remove.
  3. When prompted, confirm that you want to remove the application.
  4. Repeat these steps until there are no more Acrobat or Reader entries in the list.
  5. Restart the computer and install the application.

Solution 4: Attempt to repair Acrobat from the installation disc or cached installer files.

Important: If you do not have the cached installer files, and you have a downloaded version of Acrobat, then redownload the installer. This information also applies to the tryout edition of Acrobat.

To repair Acrobat:

  1. Insert the Acrobat disc and locate the downloaded installer package, or navigate to the cached installer files.

    Note: By default, the cached installer files are located at x:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Setup Files. If the cached installer files are not available, then use the original media.
  2. Start the installation again from this location.
  3. Follow the onscreen instructions, and choose to Remove Acrobat.
  4. Complete the onscreen instructions.

Additional information

The installer information for the previous version of Adobe Reader or Acrobat is missing or has become corrupted. Removing the previous version allows Acrobat to install. Acrobat and Adobe Reader require this information to successfully install a newer version. Some registry cleaners or system maintenance tools can remove registry information needed by the installer and cause this error.

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