How to Fix Acroexch Error? 6 Proven Ways

Have you encountered this problem? The AcroExch error message can be frustrating when trying to embed PDFs into Microsoft Word documents. But fear not; we have solutions. In this blog, we’ll explore the many solutions you can use to resolve the AcroExch error and get your workflow back on track.

Part 1. Why Do You Get Acroexch Error?

The AcroExch error occurs when inserting PDFs created using Adobe Acrobat into Microsoft Word. This error may arise from various factors, such as Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office issues.

Issues with Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat is the most frequent cause of the AcroExch error, and these problems are typically due to one of the following:

• Corrupted Installation Files: When Adobe Acrobat software is not installed correctly or has become corrupted over time, it may suffer problems when integrating with Microsoft Word, causing errors when trying to embed PDF objects.
• Damaged or Missing Files: When a file needed for Adobe Acrobat to function correctly has been damaged or deleted, it can cause errors in the application.
• Outdated Software: An outdated version of Adobe Acrobat may cause compatibility problems with the latest Microsoft Office versions.

Problems with Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office is another common cause of the AcroExch issue; this is often due to one of the following:

• Corrupted Installation: Not installing Microsoft Office correctly will cause problems when the software tries to interact with Adobe Acrobat.
• Missing or Disabled add-ins: If the add-ins that are needed to handle embedded objects from Adobe Acrobat are not installed or disabled in Microsoft Word, you can encounter the AcroExch error.
• Outdated Software: An outdated version of Microsoft Office might not wholly support embedding PDF objects from Adobe Acrobat.

Issue with Settings

System settings on your computer can also cause various problems, such as:

• Unresolved Dialog Boxes: Adobe Acrobat running in the background with an unresolved dialog box, such as a save document prompt, will prevent Microsoft Word from embedding a PDF.
• File Associations: Microsoft Word will have trouble recognizing file types that haven't been set to the correct file association for PDF documents.
• Security and Permissions: Microsoft Word can be blocked from embedding PDF objects by security settings and user permissions.

Part 2. How to Fix Acroexch Error?

Knowing the potential cause of the AcroExch error is only half the solution; it’s time to look for ways to fix it. To start, you’ll need to troubleshoot the problem, whether it's Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word, or a system setting on your computer. Follow our guides below to fix your problem.

Way 1. Create PDF with UPDF

A quick and easy solution to problems caused by Adobe Acrobat is to look for alternative software, like UPDF. Switching to UPDF means you won’t experience the AcroExch error when working with PDFs anymore. UPDF offers everything Adobe Acrobat has, including a user-intuitive interface and many AI features, offering a better experience for a fraction of the cost. You can download UPDF via the button below to test it. If you like it, you can upgrade to pro version here.

Step 1: Creating a Blank Page with UPDF

Start by launching UPDF. Click on File in the top left corner, select Create, and choose Blank Page to create a new PDF document.

Step 2: Adding Text to the New PDF

Click Edit PDF on the left side of your screen, then Text, and draw the area on your document where you’d like to add a text box and type your desired text.

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Way 2. Convert PDF to Word, then, Back to PDF with UPDF

Another solution to the AcroExch error is to use UPDF to convert your PDF into a Word document and then convert it back to PDF. With UPDF, you can edit the PDF's content before converting it, giving you more control over your documents.

Step 1: Converting a PDF to a Word Document

Open your PDF in UPDF and click the export icon on the right side of the interface. Select “Word” as the output format. Next, customize the settings as needed, click export, and select where to save the new Word document.

Step 2: Converting the Word Document Back to PDF

Navigate to PDF Tools on the UPDF main interface, click Word to PDF, and follow the prompts to convert your Word document back into a PDF. Then, try inserting the newly created PDF into Word again to fix the AcroExch error.

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Way 3. Use Insert -> Object -> Create New

You may have a problem of Acroexch, if you try to insert the PDF as an object by clicking Insert -> Object -> Create From File in Word. To bypass this error, you can click on the “Insert” > “Object” > “Create New” to insert. Now, you have solved the problem.

This method can help insert a new object without relying on Adobe Acrobat, preventing the AcroExch error from occurring.

Way 4. Disable Protected Mode at Startup

Adobe Acrobat's Protect Mode can sometimes cause the AcroExch error when inserting a PDF object into Microsoft Word. You can resolve this issue by disabling the Protect Mode feature in Adobe Acrobat. This method allows you to continue using Adobe Acrobat without the risk of encountering the AcroExch error.

Step 1: Navigate to Preferences

Start by opening Adobe Acrobat, then click the Menu in the top left, followed by Preferences.

Step 2: Finding Protected Mode

In this window, click Security (Enhanced) on the left. Find Enable Protected Mode at Startup at the top of the settings and disable it.

Disabling Protected Mode will remove any restrictions Adobe Acrobat has placed on your PDFs and can resolve the AcroExch error. However, Protected Mode is a security feature that prevents malicious files from harming your devices, so it should only be disabled when working with trusted documents.

Way 5. Quit Adobe Acrobat

Sometimes, the cause of the problem can be overlooked, as it’s an obvious fix, such as quitting and restarting the Adobe Acrobat application. This may resolve any temporary issues caused by software bugs or conflicts between processes running in the background.

Way 6. Uninstall 64-bit Office and Install 32-bit Office

If you still encounter the AcroExch error and the previous solutions haven’t worked, the last possible cause is a compatibility issue with the 64-bit version of Microsoft Office. You might want to try switching to the 32-bit version, as this can sometimes fix the error. However, the 64-bit version may not be compatible with Adobe Acrobat.

Step 1: Uninstall 64-bit Microsoft Office

Open your computer's Control Panel, then Programs and Features. Find Microsoft Office in the list of installed applications, right-click, and uninstall it.

Step 2: Install 32-bit Microsoft Office

Go to the official Microsoft website, download the 32-bit version of Microsoft Office, and follow the on-screen prompts to install it.

By switching to the 32-bit version of Microsoft Office, you should no longer encounter the AcroExch error when inserting PDF objects into Word documents.

Also Read: Why is Adobe Acrobat Forcing Me to Sign In? Fixed with These Methods

Final Thoughts on AcroExch Error

In summary, the AcroExch error can be stressful but can be easily resolved after troubleshooting, using one of the fixes above, or switching to an alternative PDF editor. For the best solution, however, we recommend switching to UPDF, which offers everything Adobe Acrobat has and more!

Download UPDF today for a fast and reliable PDF editor at a budget-friendly price. It offers many additional features, such as document conversion and AI assistance.