Member Avatar for kmbee

I tried to download a pdf file and got error

x c:\ doc and settings\----\local settings\ temp internet files\local settings\--.pdf

The application failed to start because the application configuration was incorrect. Reinstalling the application may fix the problem.

I downloaded adobe 8.1.2 but the installation failed because "the old adobe 8.1.2 could not be removed. Contact your technical support".

Can anyone help?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by phper

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Short expert summary that builds on the replies from , and : the symptoms point to a leftover or damaged Acrobat/Reader install that blocks the new installer and can also trigger the Windows “application configuration is incorrect” (side-by-side) error. Below are practical, ordered steps to remove a stuck 8.x Reader install and diagnose the runtime problem without repeating the Adobe KB already mentioned.

First, try low-risk cleanup: reboot, stop any Acrobat/Reader processes, and disable Adobe auto-start entries before retrying an uninstall from Control Panel. From an elevated prompt the quick process-kill command is:

taskkill /IM AcroRd32.exe /F

If the normal uninstall fails, boot into Safe Mode and uninstall there (older Windows: press F8 during boot; modern Windows use Advanced Startup). (howtogeek.com)

If the GUI uninstall still fails, remove the MSI package directly: list installed MSI products, find the Adobe product GUID, then invoke msiexec to remove it. From an elevated command prompt:

wmic product get name,IdentifyingNumber
msiexec /x {PRODUCT-GUID}

Run the wmic query to locate the IdentifyingNumber, then use msiexec /x with that GUID to uninstall. (learn.microsoft.com)

When the installer refuses to remove an old package, try Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter to repair broken uninstall registry entries; it can automate fixes that manual edits often miss. If the PDF error mentions “side-by-side”, inspect the Application log in Event Viewer (look for SideBySide entries) or run sxstrace to see which Visual C++ runtime is missing, then reinstall the correct VC++ redistributable(s). (support.microsoft.com)

Always create a System Restore point and export any registry keys before making manual registry edits; delete leftover Adobe folders under Program Files and search HKLM\SOFTWARE and HKCU\Software for Adobe entries only after backing up. After cleanup, clear temp files, reboot, and install a current, supported PDF reader. (support.microsoft.com)

If these measures fail, collecting the exact SideBySide event text and the installer log will point to the specific missing component or the failing uninstall step.

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Member Avatar for majestic0110

try redownloading the pdf file, sounds corrupt to me.

Member Avatar for phper

You can totally remove Adobe Acrobat reader from your pc but this involves using the registry, safe mode, etc. I have followed the guide on the Adobe site and it worked for me.

You can find the guide on the Adobe KB here:

http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=kb400658

Regards,
Alex

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