Adobe Acrobat Reader is many users’ favorite PDF reader, and it’s been around for many years. However, it’s not without its fair share of issues. These problems originate primarily from the PDF file being worked on.
Acrobat Reader’s error 109 appears when you try to open documents or save them. Other factors, such as incompatibility and outdated software, can cause error 109. If you’re experiencing this problem, this guide is for you.
Fix Adobe Reader error 109
If you get the Adobe error 109 when you try to open or save a PDF file, this section contains the following fixes that will help you eliminate the error once and for all.
- Re-create the PDF or download it again.
- Switch from a browser to a PDF reader or vice versa.
- Update the PDF reader.
- Save the document as a PS file.
- Use Adobe Acrobat DC.
- Repair your installation of Acrobat Reader.
Continue reading as I explain the steps involved in the solutions listed above.
1] Re-create the PDF or download it again
Error 109 is one of the errors that Acrobat Reader throws when you attempt to open a corrupt PDF file. Re-downloading the file if you downloaded it can solve the issue. If you made it yourself, you may create the PDF from the source again.
2] Switch from browser to a PDF reader or vice versa
Some PDF files are too complex or large for web browsers. If you’re opening the PDF in a browser, and all the above fixes don’t remove the error 109, try viewing the document in the stand-alone PDF reader. If you’re experiencing the issue on the desktop application, try opening it in a browser.
3] Update Acrobat PDF reader
A reason for the error 109 could be an incompatibility between the PDF file and the Acrobat Reader with which you’re trying to open it. For example, newer editions of Adobe Acrobat Reader don’t support older PDF files. Either they won’t open or they’ll throw the error 109. Updating the application will also repair security issues from the older version.
Visit Adobe Acrobat Reader’s website and download the latest version of the reader. Use it to update your existing PDF reader and try to open the file again. If the issue persists, continue to the next solution below.
Read: Fix Adobe Creative Cloud errors 205, 206, and 403 on Windows PC
4] Save the document as a PS file
For some weird reason, users have fixed error 109 by converting the buggy PDF file to the .ps format. First, close the PDF document if it’s open. Go to the directory where the file is and click on the View menu. Check the File name extension options on the ribbon.
Right-click on the PDF that’s not opening and rename the file extension to .ps. Then, save the file as a PDF and check if error 109 still appears.
5] Use Adobe Acrobat DC
Switching to the Standard or Pro editions of Adobe Acrobat DC can fix the issue. But first, you have to altogether remove Acrobat Reader using this Adobe Reader and Acrobat Cleaner Tool.
This deletes your personal information, settings, and preferences.
With Acrobat Reader removed from your computer, download either the Standard or Pro edition of Acrobat DC.
6] Repair your installation of Acrobat Reader
If you get error 109 when you open every PDF file, the problem is probably caused by your Acrobat Reader installation. Acrobat Reader’s Repair Installation option can fix the error.
Launch the application and click on the Help menu to use this option. Select the Repair Adobe Reader Installation option and allow the system to do the work. After the repair process is completed, reboot your machine and try to open the PDF again.
The error should be gone now.
Read: Adobe Acrobat Out of Memory error in Windows
Can you fix a corrupted Adobe file?
To fix corrupted files, you can use Adobe’s built-in repair feature or any other file repair tool. The chance of repairing the corrupted file will depend on how well the tool works.
How do I fix the PDF not opening error?
You can check your Adobe Reader/Acrobat and disable the Protected Mode at Startup. It will ensure that if there is anything that restricts the PDF from opening, it will not cause the problem.
