Getting Adobe Reader onto your computer is a two-step process: First, download the Adobe Reader Installer, and second, run the installer to install Adobe Reader. Be sure to allow enough time for both steps to complete.
Antivirus software from vendors like Comodo, Jiangmin, and Rising incorrectly identify the Adobe Reader installer as malware. False error reports include “TrojWare.Win32.Trojan.Agent.Gen,” “Trojan/JmGeneric.bcy,” and “Suspicious.” Users also report “Failed to Initialize” errors and the installer getting quarantined.
Antivirus software vendors and service providers are currently addressing this issue so that the Adobe Reader installer is recognized as legitimate. Ensure that your antivirus signatures are up-to-date.
For instructions on downloading and installing Reader, click the link below for either Windows or Mac OS.
Note: On Windows computers, you must have elevated (Windows 7/Vista) or administrative (XP) system privileges to install software.
Certain conditions on your computer, such as security settings or browser cookies, can prevent the Adobe Reader Installer from downloading. Often, the easiest way to resolve unsuccessful downloads is to try the download again using a different browser. Try any of the following browsers that you are not already using:
If you don't see a confirmation window indicating that Adobe Reader was downloaded and installed, look to see if your browser has opened a downloads window. Some browsers are set to open a separate window for downloads, but it's possible that other open applications or windows are hiding the download window. If you find the downloads window, double-click the Reader .exe file to continue the download and installation process. (In Firefox on Mac OS, you double-click the .dmg file.)
If you still have trouble downloading Adobe Reader, try using this direct download link. Select your operating system, language, and version, then click Download Now. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the download.
A system freeze or an error message indicates a specific problem with your computer or the installation process. To troubleshoot further, see the TechNote associated with the error in the table below. If your error does not appear in the table, type the error in the Adobe Community Help search box above, then press Enter or Return.
| Symptom or error | TechNote |
|
"Metafile download failed," "Actionlist not found," "Retrieving install..." | Reader |
|
|
| Installation starts but a frozen cursor, frozen screen, or an error message interrupts startup. | Installation interrupted | Acrobat 9, Reader 9 |
| (Windows only) Error 1402: Could not open key [key name] Error 1406: Could not write value folders to key [key name] |
Error 1402 | Error 1406 | Acrobat, Reader |
| (Windows only) Error 1606: Could not access network location \Startup |
Error 1606 |
| (Windows only) Error 1635: This patch package could not be opened |
Error 1635 | Acrobat 8, Reader 8 |
Twitter™ and Facebook posts are not covered under the terms of Creative Commons.
