AcroRead.msi Missing When Reinstalling Adobe Reader? How to Fix It
Updated: Sep 27
Sometimes an Adobe update breaks Acrobat Reader badly enough that the only fix is to uninstall it and start over. But after you remove it and run the installer again, you hit this error: the installer can't find AcroRead.msi and asks you to browse to its location.
Running the installer again gives the same message, and you're stuck.
Why This Happens
When Windows installs a program, it keeps a record of the installation and a copy of the installer package. If the uninstall didn't finish cleanly, Windows still thinks part of Reader is installed. The new installer tries to repair or remove that old version first, goes looking for the original AcroRead.msi file, and can't find it.
The fix is to clear out the leftovers so the installer can start fresh.
Fix 1: Use Adobe's Acrobat Cleaner Tool
Adobe makes a free tool specifically for removing broken Acrobat and Reader installations. It's the first thing I'd try.
Search for Acrobat Cleaner Tool on Adobe's help site (helpx.adobe.com) and download it.
Close any open PDF files and browsers.
Run the tool, choose Acrobat Reader when asked which product to remove, and let it finish.
Restart your computer.
Download Acrobat Reader from Adobe's website and install it.
Fix 2: Microsoft's Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter
Microsoft used to offer a Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter that fixes this kind of problem for any program. Microsoft no longer lists it on its support page, but if you already have it or can get it through your IT department, it works well:
Run the troubleshooter and choose Uninstalling when asked.
Select your Adobe Acrobat version from the list (Adobe Acrobat DC in this example) and click Next.
Choose Yes, try uninstall.
A green check means it worked. If you see a red X, run it again and choose No, try other fixes.
Once you get the green check, restart and reinstall Acrobat Reader.
Fix 3: Remove It From Installed Apps
If Reader still shows up in Settings > Apps > Installed apps, try uninstalling it from there first, restart, and then run the installer again. If it errors out during the uninstall, go back to Fix 1.
Tips for Reinstalling
Download the installer directly from Adobe's website. Skip third-party download sites.
Close your web browsers during installation, since Reader adds a browser extension.
If you use Acrobat Pro instead of Reader, sign in to your Adobe account afterwards to activate it.
Still Stuck?
If Adobe still won't install, IT-Tech can connect remotely, clean up the old installation and get Reader working again.
Book a remote support session and we'll get you sorted out.
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