Share this article
Improve this guide
FIX: Acrobat failed to connect to a DDE server
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
The Adobe AcrobatPDF(Portable Document Format) software throws out this error message for some users:
Acrobatfailed to connect to a DDEserver
Thaterror messagecan pop up when users try to openPDFsor merge documents within Adobe Acrobat.
Consequently, users can’t open aPDFor merge documents in Acrobat when the issue arises. This is how users can fix theAcrobat failed to connect to a DDE servererror in Windows 10.
How can I fix Acrobat’s DDE server error?
1. Update the Acrobat software
The DDE server error will more likely arise for older versions of Adobe Acrobat. Adobe might have released an update that fixes the DDE server issue. Thus, updating Acrobat to the latest version might fix the issue for some users.
Users can update the software by clickingHelp>Check for Updatesin Acrobat. That will open the Updater window that installs updates.
2. Turn off antivirus software
Somethird-party antivirus utilitiesmight flag Adobe Acrobat when users try to mergePDFs. So, turning off antivirus software is another potential resolution for the DDE error.
Users can usually select to temporarily disable antivirus software by right-clicking their system tray icons and selecting a disable, exit, pause, or turn off the option.
If there isn’t a disable option on the software’s context menu, open the utility’s primary window and look for a turn off option on its settings tab.
3. Edit the Registry
If you can’t edit your Windows 10’s registry, read thishandy guideand find the easiest solutions to the issue.This registry edit is one of Adobe’s official resolutions for the DDE error. The edit requires that users modify an application key for Acrobat.
4. Repair Acrobat
5. Turn off Protected Mode at startup
ClickEdit>Preferencesin Acrobat to open the window in the shot directly below.
Deselecting theProtected Mode at startupandEnhanced Securitysettings is another resolution that has fixed the DDE server error some Acrobat users.
Those are resolutions that have fixed the DDE server error for Adobe Acrobat users. So, they’ll probably resolve the error. If further fixes are still needed, however, Acrobat users can log in toadobe.comto open a support case.
If you have any more suggestions or questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments below and will surely take a look.
More about the topics:Adobe Acrobat Reader,windows 10
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
