TechNote

Error "The file AdobePDF.dll is needed..." when you install Creative Suite 3 on 64-bit Windows Vista

Issue

When you try to instal Adobe Creative Suite 3 on a 64-bit version of Windows Vista, the installer returns the error message, "The file AdobePDF.dll on Windows Vista CD-ROM is needed." You are given the option to browse to the file.

Reason

Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional is installed with the Design Premium, Design Standard and Web Premium versions of Creative Suite 3. Although Adobe has tested Adobe Acrobat 8.0 (Standard and Professional) on Microsoft Windows 64-bit operating systems running on a 64-bit processor machine, there are known limitations. For more details, see Additional Information.

Solution

Install Updates

In order for Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional to be supported, the application will need to be updated after installation.

When the error occurs, click Cancel to exit the dialog and continue with the installation.
Install the Microsoft has Hot Fix as documented in Microsoft Knowledge Base Article #930627 available at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/930627
Update Acrobat to version 8.1 or later. The Acrobat update is available on the Adobe website at www.adobe.com/support/downloads/.

Additional Information

Because the Adobe PDF printer is not supported on 64-bit operating systems, the 64-bit version of the AdobePDF.dll does not get extracted during installation. Thus, the installer is unable to locate it. While Acrobat is installed, the Adobe PDF printer will not be installed. Following the update procedure above will address the issue.

333360: Support policy for Adobe Acrobat (8.0.x Windows x64)
333780: Support policy for Acrobat 7 and 8 on Windows Vista