Solved Windows Explorer won't open multiple PDFs in Adobe Reader

dk1796

New Member
Messages
5
I have Adobe Reader 11.06 installed. I can open a single pdf perfectly well from Explorer, but when I double click on a second pdf to open it, nothing happens (it doesn't open). This only happens when I already have one instance of Adobe Reader open - opening the first pdf works just fine. And if I close the first one, I can open the other file (I just can't open them simultaneously). Opening a second file from Adobe Reader's open file dialogue also works fine.

Any ideas?

Edit: After some investigation, it seems that when I open multiple PDFs on my SSD (which Windows is installed to), it works perfectly. It only runs into issues when opening PDFs located on another hard drive, which is an issue for me because my Dropbox folder is hosted on a separate hard drive.

Solution:
I had a same problem. I googled myself to this thread looking for the answer and your post gave me an idea and I found the solution. All you have to do is disable security measures in Adobe Reader XI (Edit -> Preferences -> Security (Enhanced) -> Sandbox Protection -> Enable Protected Mode at startup -> turn off).


Alternate Solution: Switched to Foxit reader.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
I found a similar issue. But in the other case double clicking a PDF would not even open if Adobe wasn't running. It was suggested to uninstall using the cleaner tool:
Download Adobe Reader and Acrobat Cleaner Tool - Adobe Labs

then reinstall. At least one person said that fixed his issue. It may be worth a shot. It may be a good idea to make a restore point first though.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
Try Nuance's PDF reader instead. There is also Foxit PDF.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
Also you can get PDF-XChange Editor. It's free and works fine as a reader. It has Plugins for some browser or you can just let it open the external program.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
Works okay for me with Adobe Reader 10.0 on Win 8.1.1 Pro X64.

Try holding down Shift or Ctrl when you double click on the 2nd pdf file.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
So after a little experimentation, this seems to be the case only when opening pdfs on a separate hard drive. I have Windows 8.1 installed on my SSD and keep my documents on a separate hard drive. I can open multiple pdfs perfectly fine when they are on the SSD, but not when they're on another hard drive.

I'll look into it some more.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
I run from a C: SSD.
I have pdf files scattered across multiple partitions on two other hard drives.
Each one I double click on opens in a separate window, no special action required.

I would first suspect some shell/context menu addition as being the culprit.

Try ShellExView and ShellMenuView to see if you can locate the one causing the problem.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
I wonder why it's working for me then when I double click on a .pdf file?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
I wonder why it's working for me then when I double click on a .pdf file?

Do you have the paid version? Supposedly that has an "open n new window" the free does not. I only use adobe reader until I can download one of the freeware alternatives. I'm not familiar with the settings.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
No, I use the free one.

I don't see anything in Adobe Reader X Preferences that controls this.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
No, I use the free one.

I don't see anything in Adobe Reader X Preferences that controls this.

There isn't. That's the point of the article I linked.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
I have Adobe Reader 11.06 installed. I can open a single pdf perfectly well from Explorer, but when I double click on a second pdf to open it, nothing happens (it doesn't open). This only happens when I already have one instance of Adobe Reader open - opening the first pdf works just fine. And if I close the first one, I can open the other file (I just can't open them simultaneously). Opening a second file from Adobe Reader's open file dialogue also works fine.

Any ideas?

I had a same problem. I googled myself to this thread looking for the answer and your post gave me an idea and I found the solution. All you have to do is disable security measures in Adobe Reader XI (Edit -> Preferences -> Security (Enhanced) -> Sandbox Protection -> Enable Protected Mode at startup -> turn off).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
Thanks for posting the info. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
I have Adobe Reader 11.06 installed. I can open a single pdf perfectly well from Explorer, but when I double click on a second pdf to open it, nothing happens (it doesn't open). This only happens when I already have one instance of Adobe Reader open - opening the first pdf works just fine. And if I close the first one, I can open the other file (I just can't open them simultaneously). Opening a second file from Adobe Reader's open file dialogue also works fine.

Any ideas?

I had a same problem. I googled myself to this thread looking for the answer and your post gave me an idea and I found the solution. All you have to do is disable security measures in Adobe Reader XI (Edit -> Preferences -> Security (Enhanced) -> Sandbox Protection -> Enable Protected Mode at startup -> turn off).

Oh, that fixes everything. Thanks!

Edit: updated original post
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
Work's fine now!

I have Adobe Reader 11.06 installed. I can open a single pdf perfectly well from Explorer, but when I double click on a second pdf to open it, nothing happens (it doesn't open). This only happens when I already have one instance of Adobe Reader open - opening the first pdf works just fine. And if I close the first one, I can open the other file (I just can't open them simultaneously). Opening a second file from Adobe Reader's open file dialogue also works fine.

Any ideas?

Edit: After some investigation, it seems that when I open multiple PDFs on my SSD (which Windows is installed to), it works perfectly. It only runs into issues when opening PDFs located on another hard drive, which is an issue for me because my Dropbox folder is hosted on a separate hard drive.

Solution:
I had a same problem. I googled myself to this thread looking for the answer and your post gave me an idea and I found the solution. All you have to do is disable security measures in Adobe Reader XI (Edit -> Preferences -> Security (Enhanced) -> Sandbox Protection -> Enable Protected Mode at startup -> turn off).

Alternate Solution: Switched to Foxit reader.

Thank's for information... now it's working correctly.
The Foxit it's fast but there are a bug and I have some problems with Foxit...

Silvio
BR
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 single
I have Protected mode disabled as well, but for a different reason. It was a fix for a problem with the Seamonkey web browser. That explains why it works for me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Back
Top