Cannot start the source application for this object pdf in Excel 365 is one error that often pops up when you’re trying to embed or view an embedded file in your Excel worksheet.
This problem can be caused by multiple factors, including having the wrong PDF viewer, improper embedding, and using different Adobe versions to save your file.
Not to worry though as we’ll be diving deep into the reasons why this issue comes up and how to resolve them as well, so without much ado, let’s get started.
The reasons why the cannot start the source application error comes up in your Excel file include using the wrong PDF reader, enabling protected mode at startup, using an old Excel version, server or network issues, or using different Adobe versions.
We’ve compiled a list of causes below to help you understand why you might be having this issue.
Configuring your Excel file with the wrong PDF reader can cause you to get the cannot start the source application for this object excel 2019 error.
For instance, if you use FoxIt or Nitro Pro as your default PDF tool for creating and reading PDFs and you have Adobe PDF Reader configured in your Excel sheet, you’re likely to get this error since Adobe isn’t your default reader or PDF creation tool.
Another reason why you may get the source error is if you have enabled the Protected Mode at Startup in Excel.
To make sure your files and computer are safe, this setting will restrict embedded files such as PDF files , thereby causing you to get the source error.
If your PDF is created by a more recent Adobe version and you’re using an old Excel version, there’s likely going to be a conflict between both applications , thereby leading to the error message.
For instance, if you use a more recent version of the Adobe PDF tool and an outdated 2002 Excel worksheet, you may get this problem as there’ll be some discrepancies between both tools.
If you don’t have the right access to view the embedded file, you may experience this error as well. This issue mostly applies to those who share files within an organization. You may need to use an administrator account or get access from your organization’s IT administrator to clear this error.
If the Adobe Acrobat used to add or embed the file into your Excel worksheet has a PDF viewer with a different file type association from the PDF viewer you’re using to view the file, then it’s likely you’ll get the cannot start the source application for this object in Excel 2016 and other versions of Excel.
For instance, if the file was added on a terminal server with Adobe Acrobat that has a version 3.0 PDF viewer and you have a version 2.0 PDF viewer on your computer, you may get the source error since the viewer version that was used when creating or adding the file on the terminal server is different from the viewer version you’re trying to use to check the file on your computer.
You can get the source error if you’re having server or network issues. If your internet connection is unstable, then Excel may not be able to download the embedded file , especially if the file was downloaded or sent via the internet.
Server issues in your organization can also cause this error, so you may want to check in with your company’s IT department.
If there was a specific file type association when the file was embedded and you get a different file type association when trying to view the file, then you’re sure to experience the source error.
For instance, if the Excel formula bar shows =EMBED (“Acrobat Document”, “”) during the embedding or file creation process, and you get =EMBED (“AcroExch.XFDFDoc”,””) when trying to view the file on your computer, then the application won’t be started since the file type associations are different.
Another reason why you might experience the source error is if you have malware on your device. Malware can come from different sources , including your Excel plug-ins and add-ons, so performing a complete malware scan would be the best solution in this case.
To fix the source application error, you can try checking your internet or network for any discrepancies, restarting your computer, repairing your Excel and PDF app, checking for malware, updating your Excel app, or changing to your default PDF reader in Excel.
The first solution you want to try is to check whether there are problems with your internet connection. Check to see whether you’re still connected to the internet. If you use a local network, make sure the connection is okay . You can also try other options, such as a mobile phone hotspot or Wi-Fi.
If you’re using Outlook and you get the Excel cannot start the source application for this object outlook error, then your connection may be the problem . Also, if you work over a server in an organization, make sure you’re connected to the server or check with your IT department to make sure there’s nothing wrong with your connection.
Restarting your computer can help you fix simple glitches and errors. If the source error is caused by a glitch, then a simple restart may be all you need .
T his solution is especially useful if you’ve been hibernating your computer a lot prior to getting the error or if you’ve been able to view the embedded file many times before and the error just pops up out of nowhere while viewing the same file.
Repairing your PDF app can help you eradicate any temporary or corrupted files that might be causing the error since it’ll revert the app to its original state . Take note that you’ll have to be connected to the internet for this process to work.
You can repair your Excel app by following the steps below:
You can repair your PDF app by following the steps below:
Another option you can try to resolve cannot start the source application for this object PDF in Excel 2016 and other versions is to check for malware on your device.
Malware will make your PC and apps behave how they aren’t supposed to . Therefore, downloading an anti-malware app and running it on your computer may be all you need to resolve the issue.
Also, disable any add-ons in your Excel app and restart the app. If there are add-ons or plugins that have been on your computer for a long time with no use or updates, remove them completely from your computer.
If you have an older version of Office or Excel, updating it to a newer version may resolve the source problem. You’ll have to uninstall the older version and install the most recent version from Microsoft’s website or from the Microsoft Store.
You can also go to your computer’s manufacturer’s website to download the latest Microsoft Excel version that’s compatible with your device.
If you have a corporate computer, you may have to ask your IT department or admin for authorization to download a newer version of Excel. If you already have the latest version, all you may need is an update. You can update Excel by following the steps listed below:
If you use a different PDF tool as your default PDF software instead of Adobe Acrobat, then you want to reconfigure your Excel app to use that tool’s viewer instead.
For instance, if you use FoxIt PhatomPDF as your default PDF tool, then your Excel should view all Adobe Acrobat files using the FoxIt PDF viewer instead.
You can do this reconfiguration by following the steps below:
Reconfiguring your Excel settings to open PDF with your default PDF Reader can also help resolve the issue. You can do so by following the simple steps below:
If your PDF tool is Adobe Acrobat, activating the Enable Protect Mode at Startup option can trigger the source error . Here’s how to disable this option.
This is what you should do for Adobe reader X:
This is what you should do for Adobe Reader XI:
Another solution you can try is to embed your file using “package” instead of Adobe PDF, word document, or any other file type you want to embed in your Excel worksheet.
This means that when you click on “Object” under the “Text” option, instead of choosing the file type on the next window, simply scroll down and select “Package” instead.
Many users have found this method to be helpful especially when they’re viewing the file on a different computer.
That’s all on how to fix cannot start the source application for this object PDF in Excel Mac and Windows.
Here is a quick summary to help you figure out how to resolve the issue as fast as possible:
For those using a corporate computer, make sure to contact your admin or IT department before making any changes. If you’ve utilized the steps above and nothing still seems to work, then you may want to contact Microsoft’s support team for further help.
