That error message can pop up when users try to open PDFs or merge documents within Adobe Acrobat. Consequently, users can’t open a PDF or merge documents in Acrobat when the issue arises. This is how users can fix the Acrobat failed to connect to a DDE server error 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 clicking Help > Check for Updates in Acrobat. That will open the Updater window that installs updates.

2. Turn off antivirus software

Some third-party antivirus utilities might flag Adobe Acrobat when users try to merge PDFs. 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 this handy guide and 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

Click Edit > Preferences in Acrobat to open the window in the shot directly below. Deselecting the Protected Mode at startup and Enhanced Security settings 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 to adobe.com to 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.

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