Scenario
You may see this error when you try to open Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader. (The application may be in Protected Mode when it is launched.)
There is a problem with Adobe Acrobat/Reader. If it is running, please exit and try again. (523:523)
Solution
In Adobe Acrobat, choose Edit > Preferences > Security (enhanced) and clear the Enable Protected Mode at startup checkbox.
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Refer to TFS 1069451 for more information.
Below are the registry keys to change.
For Reader DC:
HKCU\Software\Adobe\Acrobat Reader\DC\Privileged
DWORD Value: bProtectedMode
Setting: 0x0
For Reader 11:
HKCU\Software\Adobe\Acrobat Reader\11.0\Privileged
DWORD Value: bProtectedMode
Setting: 0x0
There are “enterprise” keys that show up at HKLM that might work as well, but this has not been tested. For Reader DC, it is supposed to be:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\Acrobat Reader\DC\FeatureLockDown