pdf icon for inserted object missing/incorrect file path

Question

I have used the Insert Object function in Excel for several years to embed pdf documents in my reports. I set up a new computer today and now when I insert a file, the pdf icon is missing. In Change Icon, the file name is in Adobe Program Files...I can find the logo in c:\windows\installer{AC76BA86...}, but that filename does not stay, and I have to change it every time I insert a new object. 

I have seen other posts with the same issue but no solution. If anyone can help I would surely appreciate it!

Answer 1

Hi HollyWilliams6,

Thank you for updates.

It seems that the default location for inserted pdf icon is “C:\Program Files (x86)\A... \Acrobat.exe” if you had set up Acrobat.exe as the default app for pdf files. 

However, I don’t install this app and I don’t have the issue. And my default app for .pdf files is set to Microsoft Edge.

So, if you want to change the location sticks, please make sure you have set the Acrobat.exe as the default app for .pdf files. To check this, please type” default app” on the search menu and hit enter then click “Choose default app by file type”. And please make sure the app is up to date.

If your issue persists, to narrow down, please try the following methods:

Method 1: Please try to change another app (For example, a web browser) as the default app for .pdf files.

Method 2: Please update your Excel to the latest version. (File>Account>Update option>update now).

Method 3: Please try to use another User Account on your Windows to see the result.

For your references: Add or remove accounts on your PC

How to switch users (accounts) in Windows 10

If you’re the above method doesn’t work for you, may I know where did you downloaded and installed Office？

Best Regards,

May

Answer 2

Hi HollyWilliams6,

So sorry for this inconvenience caused to you.

According to your description, the pdf file will be missing when you use insert Object function. However, I could not reproduce this issue. So, I think this issue may cause by your Excel client.

To narrow down, please try the following methods:

Method 1:

Please change your color quality settings to 16-bit color. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Right-click the desktop, and then click

Properties. 2. On the Settings tab, select Medium (16 bit) in the Color quality list. 3. Click

OK. 4. Try to insert the object again.

For your information: The icon is blank when you insert an object or a file into a document, presentation, spreadsheet, or other Microsoft Office file

Method 2:

Please open Excel in safe mode to identify whether the issue is caused by any third-party add-ins. For your reference: Open Office apps in safe mode on a Windows PC.

If the issue doesn’t happens to safe mode, it means the issue might be due to add-ins. And please to refer to steps in this article to disable all add-ins in Excel.

Method 3:

Please perform an Online Repair for Office to make sure everything get fixed. It may take several hours.

If your issue persists after try the above methods, could you please share the following information for further assistance?

1.May I know if the issue happens when you insert other Office and non-Office files?

2.May I know the build and version information of your Excel?( About Office: What version of Office am I using?)

3.May I know the build and version information of your Windows?( (Click the Start menu > Type “winver” > and hit Enter.)

If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me. And I will try my best to help you.😊

Best Regards,

May

Answer 3

Thank you for your reply. I have the following results:

Method 1: Properties-settings-color quality is not an option when I right click on my desktop. Display settings is the closest, and I do not find an option to change to 16 bit.

Method 2: The issue is duplicated in safe mode

Method 3: I have not had time to complete an online repair since I need to use my office programs for work.

I am using Office 365 Excel Version 2002 (Build 12527.20482 Click-to-Run), Windows 10 Version 2004 (OS Build 19041.508)

It seems that Excel is defaulting to C:\Program Files (x86)\A... \Acrobat.exe as the location for the pdf logo. I went back and looked on my old computer, where I was not having this issue, and Excel was defaulting to C:\windows\installer{AC76BA86...}. How can I change that so it sticks?

Answer 4

Hi HollyWilliams6,

May I know if you need further help? If yes, feel free to post back and I will further assistant you.😊

Best Regards,

May