how do I if the error run-time error 53 on 365 that I just purchased

Run-time error 53 on Office apps for Mac is typically caused by an external add-in or component, most commonly from Adobe (for example, missing MacPDFM files). Since Microsoft 365 was just purchased and is under warranty, the recommended path is to remove the conflicting Adobe component or contact Adobe, because the missing file belongs to Adobe, not Office.

For Mac users seeing messages like:

Run-Time Error 53 – File not found: /Library/Application Support/Adobe/MACPDFM/...

the resolution is:

1. Identify the Adobe component
   • The error path points to an Adobe PDF-related framework (e.g., MacPDFM.framework).
   • This is installed and managed by Adobe (Acrobat or other Adobe PDF tools), not by Microsoft 365.
2. Remove or repair the Adobe PDF add-in/framework
   • Use Adobe’s own uninstaller or reinstall/repair the Adobe product that installed MacPDFM.
   • If the file path no longer exists (for example, after a macOS upgrade), removing or updating the Adobe product usually stops Word/Excel/PowerPoint from calling that missing file.
3. If the error persists, contact Adobe Support
   • Because the missing file and the add-in are Adobe components, Adobe Support is the correct channel to provide an updated version or removal steps tailored to the current macOS and Adobe version.
4. If Office apps themselves are unstable after that
   • Fully uninstall Office for Mac and reinstall it from the Microsoft account page associated with the new Microsoft 365 purchase. A clean Office install plus a fixed/removed Adobe add-in typically resolves the issue.

Since the subscription is new and under warranty, if Office apps continue to fail even after the Adobe component is fixed or removed, contact Microsoft Support with details of the error and the steps already taken.

References:

• Run-time error '53' - Microsoft Q&A
• Every time I open MS Word, I get a Run-Time Error 53 message. It says: File not found: /Library/Application Support/Adobe/MACPDFM/MacPDFM.framework/Versions/A/MacPDFM - Microsoft Q&A
• Microsoft Office apps for Mac quit unexpectedly - Microsoft Q&A