Occasionally, you might face issues when downloading Acrobat Reader. Typically, this occurs for one of the following reasons:
- Your computer is not connected to the Internet, or there is a problem with your Internet settings.
- Your antivirus software needs to be updated.
- You may not be connected to the Adobe server.
How to fix download and installation issues for Acrobat Reader
If you're having trouble installing Acrobat reader, try the following:
1. Enable JavaScript
2. Check for anti-virus updates
From time to time, your antivirus software may incorrectly identify the Acrobat 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 having the installer quarantined.
Antivirus software vendors and service providers actively update their software so that the Acrobat Reader installer is recognized as legitimate. Ensure that your antivirus software is up to date.
3. Try a different browser
Certain conditions on your computer, such as security settings or browser cookies, can prevent the Acrobat Reader Installer from downloading. Often, the easiest way to resolve an unsuccessful download is to try the download again using a different browser. Try any of the following browsers that you are not already using:
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Apple Safari
- Google Chrome
Note:
To learn how to run the installer to install Acrobat Reader, see the following:
4. Try a direct download link
If you still have trouble downloading Acrobat Reader, try using this direct download link. Select your operating system, language, and version, and then click Download now. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the download.
5. Ensure a stable Internet connection
An unstable Internet connection can prevent you from downloading from other websites. Try downloading a file from another website, such as www.microsoft.com, www.apple.com, or www.mozilla.com. If the problem persists, contact your network administrator, help desk resource, or Internet service provider (ISP). See Resolve an unstable Internet connection to the Adobe website or FTP site for details.
After you establish a stable Internet connection, try to download the file again. If the original attempt to download the file was interrupted, restart the download process within the web browser you were using.
Note:
A high volume of activity can interfere with an Internet connection. For best results, try to download files when there is less activity (for example, late in the evening, early in the morning, or on weekends).
6. Update the video card driver (Windows only)
7. Troubleshoot for specific error messages
If one of the following errors occurs when you try to connect to or download from the Adobe website, work through the tasks below.
- Nothing happens.
- A file stops downloading prematurely.
- Any of the following errors occur:
- "The server returned extended information."
- "Connection failure has interrupted the download. Check your Internet settings and click retry."
- "Cannot connect to server, server cannot be found."
- "The server returned extended information."
A system freeze or an error message indicates a specific problem with your computer or the installation process. To troubleshoot further, see the solution associated with the error in the table below.
Symptom or error |
Solution |
|
|
|
Troubleshoot Acrobat Reader installation | Windows |
Installation starts but a frozen cursor, frozen screen, or an error message interrupts startup. |
|
(Windows only) |
|
(Windows only) |
|
(Windows only) |
Error 1635 about a patch not opening when installing Acrobat 8 or Reader 8 |
Visit the forums. See if other users are experiencing similar download and installation problems by visiting the Reader user-to-user forum, or the Deployment & Installation forum on AcrobatUsers.com. Try posting your problem on the forums for interactive troubleshooting. When posting on forums, include your operating system and your product's version number.
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