Error: Acrobat Failed to Load core DLL

Issue

When you launch Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader, the following error occurs: Acrobat Failed to Load core DLL

This error may occur due to missing or corrupted DLL files, incorrect file paths, version mismatches, or inadequate permissions. Troubleshooting involves checking the integrity of DLL files, verifying file paths, ensuring compatibility, and addressing permission issues.

Steps to troubleshoot

Step 1: Repair the Installation

You can repair the installation to replace any missing or corrupt files. To do so, use any of the following methods:

Select > Help > Repair installation. In the dialog that appears, select Yes.
Go to Windows Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. Select Adobe Acrobat from the list and then select Repair.

Step 2: disable protected mode

You can disable protected mode using the following steps:

Launch Adobe Acrobat (or Adobe Acrobat Reader) and select > Preferences.
From the left menu, select Security (Enhanced)
Under Sandbox protections, uncheck the Enable Protected Mode at startup checkbox.
In the dialog that appears, select Yes.
Select Ok.

Note:

If you are using a tool to push a registry entry for multiple users, you can disable Protected Mode in the Registry:

HKCU/Software/Adobe/Acrobat Reader/[VERSION_NUMBER]/Privileged/bProtectedMode = 0x00000000

Step 3: verify location on installed application

Ensure that Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Acrobat Reader are installed on the local system drive. Installing on a mapped drive isn't a supported configuration.

Step 4: uninstall and Reinstall

Uninstall and Reinstall Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Note: If you have difficulty removing Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Acrobat Reader, use the AcroCleaner Tool from Adobe Labs.