TechNote

Error: "Before you can perform print-related tasks… you need to install a printer" when trying to print to Adobe PDF (Acrobat 7, 8, or Reader on Windows)

Issue

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When you try to print to Adobe PDF or a printer from Adobe Acrobat 7 or 8 or Adobe Reader on Windows XP or Windows Vista, the application returns the error message "Before you can perform print-related tasks such as page setup or printing a document, you need to install a printer."

Solution

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Select a default printer or change the default printer.

1. Close Acrobat or Reader.
2. Select Start > Control Panel > Printers and Faxes (Windows XP) or Start > Control Panel > Printers (Windows Vista).
3. Look for a default printer, which is designated by a green check mark.
   • If there is a default printer, right-click on a different printer and select Set As Default Printer.
   • If there is no default printer, right-click on Adobe PDF and select Set As Default Printer.
4. Open Acrobat or Reader, open a PDF file, and print to Adobe PDF or a printer.

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