Adobe AcroCEF.exe Repair

Issue/Question

The following error occurs when trying to incorporate a signature into a PDF file while using Adobe Acrobat Reader: 

AcroCEF.exe - Application Error.  The application was unable to start correctly (0x0000001).  Click OK to close the application.)

Cause

When you uninstall Adobe Acrobat Reader, not all support and registry files gets deleted. AcroCleaner is a utility that cleans up these files following an uninstall. AcroCleaner is not an uninstaller on its own and should not be used as such.

Resolution

1.    Uninstall Adobe Acrobat Reader through Programs and features.
2.    Browse to the AcroCleaner Utility.
Note: The WKU image comes with 32-bit Adobe Reader. When Adobe Reader updates, it updates to 64-bit Reader, so this steps you through addressing both.
3.    On the page, find the 64-bit Products only and select Feb 9, 2021: 64-bit installer, all tracks.
4.    Save it and then run the program. 

1. Open the program and click Next.
2. Click Accept.
3. Select Acrobat and click Next.
4. Make sure the location is C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat and click Next.
5. Setup is ready, click Clean Now.
6. When completed, click View Logs to confirm it did delete random registry files associated with Adobe Acrobat.
7. Exit out of logs and click Finish.
8. You are done deleting the 64-bit version preferences and settings from the program.

5.    Go back into AcroCleaner Utility website (refer to step 2) and find the 32-bit products only and select June 10, 2015: All tracks.

1. Save it and then open the zip files.
2. Run the AdobeAcroCleaner_DC2015 file.
3. Open the program and click Next.
4. Click Accept.
5. Select Acrobat and click Next. 
6. Make sure the location is C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Acrobat and click Next.
7. Setup is ready, click Clean Now.
8. When completed, click View Logs to confirm it did delete random registry files associated with Adobe Acrobat.
9. Exit out of logs and click Finish.

6.    Run the AdobeAcroCleaner_DC2015 program again.

1. Open the program and click Next. 
2. Click Accept.
3. Select Reader and click Next. 
4. Make sure the location is C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Acrobat and click Next.
5. Setup is ready, click Clean Now.
6. When completed, hit View Logs to confirm it did delete random registry files associated with Adobe Acrobat.
7. Exit out of logs and click Finish.

7.    Reboot the machine.
8.    Install Acrobat Reader and verify it works.
9.    If your machine installs McAfee Security Scan Plus, uninstall it.