What is the “Unable to Locate PDF Viewer” Error in QuickBooks
Many times, QuickBooks printing issues are caused by obsolete or defective Windows print components. QuickBooks is unable to locate the PDF Viewer owing to an issue in the settings of the QB Desktop or might be due to an outdated version. Make sure you update your software to the latest released update before starting printing.
Error: QuickBooks Unable to Locate PDF Viewer
Error message: “Unable to Locate PDF Viewer. You need PDF software to view and print this reconciliation report”.

Adobe Acrobat can be repair very easily but just following all the instructions below as you have to keep some things in your mind that if in any case you are using the latest version or updated the new version and if then also you are facing many kinds of problem, then the end solution is you just need repair the adobe reader and for doing it follow the below points:
Each application requires a couple of vital Windows segments and applications to print any report. If you are getting an error while printing your finance tax documents and articulations, at that point it may very well be a result of the blemishes in windows print parts or inappropriate setup of the QuickBooks Desktop application. A typical printing error in QuickBooks is the “unable to locate the PDF viewer” error that, once experienced, shows an error message “Unable to Locate PDF Viewer”. Settling the error requires significant information on Windows print parts like Adobe and XPS Viewer.
User Navigation
- 1 What is the “Unable to Locate PDF Viewer” Error in QuickBooks
- 2 What are the causes of the “Unable To Locate PDF Viewer” Error in QuickBooks?
- 3 What are the symptoms of QuickBooks unable to locate PDF viewers?
- 4 Steps you need to follow to fix Adobe Acrobat in QuickBooks
- 5 Best Solutions to Repair Adobe Acrobat Issue in QuickBooks
- 5.1 1. Solution One: Set the Adobe Reader application as Default
- 5.2 2. Solution Two: Re-install and update the Adobe Acrobat application
- 5.3 3. Solution Three: Rename the file QBprint.qbp
- 5.4 4. Solution Four: Delete the Temporary files from the System
- 5.5 5. Fifth Solution: Try to monitor PDF on the hard drive
- 5.6 6. Sixth Solution: Run Reader or Adobe in a new local Administrator Account
- 5.7 7. Seventh Solution: Verify the registry path for Reader (Windows)
- 5.8 8. Solution Eight: Fix the HKCR\AcroExch.Document registry key (Windows)
- 5.9 9. Ninth Solution: Large PDF files optimization
- 6 FAQs
- 6.1 What are the reasons behind the adobe acrobat issue?
- 6.2 Is it important to make it as default application for PDF reader?
- 6.3 How can I set the PDF viewer to resolve the adobe acrobat issue?
- 6.4 How can I repair the PDF viewer in QuickBooks when the user is unable to locate it?
- 6.5 Is it easy to repair the PDF viewer in QuickBooks?
- 6.6 How Can I make changes when QuickBooks is unable to locate a PDF viewer?
What are the causes of the “Unable To Locate PDF Viewer” Error in QuickBooks?
QuickBooks printing errors arise when the Windows print segments are either corrupted or damaged. An error in the arrangement of the QuickBooks application is likewise an explanation because of which QuickBooks can’t locate the PDF Viewer and presents an error message saying “Unable to Locate PDF Viewer. You need PDF programming to view and print this compromise report.” Following are a portion of the conspicuous reasons that cause error finding PDF Viewer in QuickBooks Desktop.
Here is the list of reasons behind QuickBooks unable to locate the Pdf viewer:
- Inappropriate installation of Adobe Reader on Windows.
- Adobe Reader isn’t set up as the default PDF viewer application in QuickBooks Desktop.
- If your QuickBooks doesn’t have the most recent updates installed.
- Due to corrupted or damaged Qbprint. qbp file from the installation directory, this error might appear on your screen.
What are the symptoms of QuickBooks unable to locate PDF viewers?
- A red X icon
- A blank page displayed on the screen
- The error message appears on the screen.
Steps you need to follow to fix Adobe Acrobat in QuickBooks
Best Solutions to Repair Adobe Acrobat Issue in QuickBooks
1. Solution One: Set the Adobe Reader application as Default
A. Open settings
- Click on the Start menu or Windows button from keyboard
- Then search for the settings
- Open the settings
B. Set It as default app
- Now in settings go to the System option
- Then check for the default apps
- In Default apps, choose the file type as .pdf
- Then click on the option set as default
- Then click on Adobe Reader.
C. For Windows 7,8, 8.1:
Here are the steps:
- Click on the Windows Start button.
- Choose Control Panel
- Click on the Programs option.
- Discover the section Set default programs
- Search for the installed Adobe Reader
- Choose the program, and then hit on Set this program as Default.
D. For Windows 10:
- Locate the Windows Start option
- Hit on the Settings button
- Choose Apps
- Below the left section, select Default apps.
- Scroll down till you discover the .pdf and choose its default program
- Hit on Adobe Reader appears in the list.
- Choose Switch anyway
2. Solution Two: Re-install and update the Adobe Acrobat application
A. Uninstall Adobe Acrobat
- Go to the Control Panel
- Then in the Programs a list shown to you
- From List select Adobe Acrobat
- Then click on Uninstall
B. Install Adobe Acrobat again
- Reinstall the application from the source you did before like CD, website or installation file in system
C. Update Adobe Acrobat
- Update the Adobe PDF viewer application again
- Then go to the QuickBooks software
- When the update is done try to open a PDF in it to check it.
3. Solution Three: Rename the file QBprint.qbp
A. Open File Manager and choose folder
- First of all open the File Manager in your system
- Then click on the Organize option
- Further click on the Folder option
B. Show hidden files
- Check for the Option
- Unmark the option show the files, folders, or drives that are hidden
C. Search and Rename the file
- Locate the QBpriint.qbp file
- Then double-click on the file to rename it
- After that Save it.
4. Solution Four: Delete the Temporary files from the System
Here are the steps:
- Firstly press the Windows button + R button simultaneously.
- Write %TEMP% and then Hit on the Enter key.
- Now locate the temp folder.
- Give a right-click on blank space and then select the contents.
- Delete the temp files
5. Fifth Solution: Try to monitor PDF on the hard drive
- Check you can open a PDF from the local hard drive. Here are the steps:
- In the web browser, follow the below steps:
- Windows:
- Hit on Ctrl+O Key
- Mac OS:
- Select File
- Hit on Open File
- Windows:
- Now hit on the Browse option.
- Locate Files Of type button, select ALL Files
- Discover a PDF on your System, choose it and Hit on the Open option.
6. Sixth Solution: Run Reader or Adobe in a new local Administrator Account
Firstly create a user account with the same access as the account you use when the issue encounters. Or now create a local administrator account. If the error does not occur with the new account, then the user account might be corrupted.
7. Seventh Solution: Verify the registry path for Reader (Windows)
The registry comprises system-based information that is vital for the System and applications. So you have to take the backup before editing the registry. Adobe problems can be due to the incorrect modification of the registry.
Here are the steps you need to view for the registry:
- Locate Start option
- Click on the Run option
- Enter Regedit and hit on OK button
- Search to the key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Software\Adobe\Acrobat\Exe.
- Ensure that the (Default) value is set for the path where you installed Acrobat or Reader
- The Adobe default path is “C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Acrobat Reader DC\Reader\AcroRd32.exe”.
- The Acrobat default path is “C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Acrobat DC\Acrobat\Acrobat.exe”.
- Verify the right registry path
- If the System does not contain the registry item, then follow the below steps:
- Open run window
- Enter Regedit and hit on OK
- Back up the active Registry file:
- It will display the Registry Editor Dialog window.
- Select File and click on Export
- Write a file name and then select the location.
- Select All for the export range
- Hit on the Save button
- Locate the Edit option and then click on New
- Hit on Key and then create the missing HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Software\Adobe\Acrobat\Exe.
- Discover Edit and then click on New
- Choose String Value and then give a name to this Key (Default).
- Click on Default and then locate Edit and then click on the Modify option.
- Write the default path that appears in the Value data for the product.
- Restart the System
8. Solution Eight: Fix the HKCR\AcroExch.Document registry key (Windows)
Sometimes the Key is corrupted then it is pointed to an older version of Reader or any third-party PDF viewer.
Here are the steps:
- Select the Start button
- Click on Run Window
- Write regedit in the field to display a Run dialog box.
- Hit on OK button
- Back up the active Registry file
- It will appear in the Registry Editor dialog box.
- Hit on the File button and then click on the Export button
- Write a file name and then select the location.
- Now Choose All for Export Range
- Hit on the Save button
- Locate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AcroExch.Document.
- Give a Right-click AcroExch.Document and Select Delete; Ensure that you have the right Key, and hit on the Yes option that appears on the prompt.
- Give a right-click on AcroExch.Document.7
- Click on Delete
- Fix your Reader installation
9. Ninth Solution: Large PDF files optimization
Check the size of the PDF file. Many errors occur with the large size. So to fix the issue, it is recommended to optimize the PDF files. PDF optimizer helps to apply the settings to reduce the PDF file size.
Need Professional Help?
If you still feel a need of assistance for information or query related to Repair Adobe Acrobat: Quickbooks Unable to Locate PDF Viewer or QuickBooks related software, then without giving a second thought get in touch with our SMB QuickBooks Technical support team on smbaccountants.com.
FAQs
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What are the reasons behind the adobe acrobat issue?
The reasons are as follows:-
💠 The .qbp file is corrupted or damaged
💠 The installation is not done completely of Adobe Acrobat
💠 You have an older version of the Adobe PDF reader. -
Is it important to make it as default application for PDF reader?
Yes, it is important because if it is not done then it may cause you the error.
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How can I set the PDF viewer to resolve the adobe acrobat issue?
Yes, it does support all editions and versions of QuickBooks software easily as it is compatible with all.
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How can I repair the PDF viewer in QuickBooks when the user is unable to locate it?
Once you set the PDF viewer as default then open and print the forms again in QuickBooks. Then, choose the Apps. After this, go to the left pane and click on the Default apps. Now, you have to locate the PDF and choose the default program.
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Is it easy to repair the PDF viewer in QuickBooks?
Open the PDF straightforwardly in acrobat. Hit the right-click on the PDF file link. Then, select the accurate download option. Ensure that the Adobe Acrobat file is selected for the file type and then save the file. Find the saved PDF and click on it to open it.
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How Can I make changes when QuickBooks is unable to locate a PDF viewer?
Open the Settings menu and click on the “Application Manager” option. Now, go to Google Drive and then hit the disable button. Click on the Download a PDF button. After opening the file, you have the option to choose the default PDF viewer.