Crash on Open

[nh91]

Are there any logs to see why this may be crashing? If I open the app normally, it doesn't crash. If I try to open any PDF in the menu or double click a PDF in Explorer the app will open but then instantaneously crash.

Windows 11 - Version 10.0.26100 Build 26100

[nh91]

[SuperTech]

Thank you for reporting this problem. To help us investigate, could you please clarify if this issue occurs with a specific PDF file or with all PDFs?

If it is a specific file, please send it to us for testing.

If the problem occurs with all files, please try reinstalling FreePDF. Additionally, to rule out interference, you can temporarily disable your security software and test again. (Please remember to re-enable it afterwards.)

[nh91]

Thank you for reporting this problem. To help us investigate, could you please clarify if this issue occurs with a specific PDF file or with all PDFs?

If it is a specific file, please send it to us for testing.

If the problem occurs with all files, please try reinstalling FreePDF. Additionally, to rule out interference, you can temporarily disable your security software and test again. (Please remember to re-enable it afterwards.)

It is all PDFs, I have uninstalled and re-installed, and disabled Windows Defender. It still crashes on opening a PDF.

[raitis.veksejs]

Please send a screenshot of "? > About" and a video demonstrating the crashes. There are plenty of free screen recorders you can get from the Microsoft App Store.

If the file is too big, you can upload it to https://wetransfer.com/ and share a link with us. IMPORTANT: Use the 'Create link,' not 'Send email,' transfer type, and paste the generated link directly as a reply.

Note: We have had crash issues like this in FlexiPDF 2025, but they have already been handled and service packs released. Perhaps you are mixing up FreePDF with FlexiPDF here.

[nh91]

I have attached the requested plus the test PDF I was trying to open.

[SuperTech]

Thank you for providing the sample file and the screen recording. I have reviewed them but have been unable to reproduce the issue.

The symptoms suggest the problem may be related to your local environment, such as operating system file corruption or security software blocking FreePDF. I recommend troubleshooting these areas to resolve the issue.

[nh91]

Thank you for providing the sample file and the screen recording. I have reviewed them but have been unable to reproduce the issue.

The symptoms suggest the problem may be related to your local environment, such as operating system file corruption or security software blocking FreePDF. I recommend troubleshooting these areas to resolve the issue.

FreePDF opening files.gif

It very well could be, but I have no idea where to start. Are there any crash logs I could look at? No errors pop up or anything - the app just closes. Event viewer only shows the following:

Faulting application name: FreePDF.exe, version: 2025.407.3.27, time stamp: 0x67e4b669
Faulting module name: FreePDF.exe, version: 2025.407.3.27, time stamp: 0x67e4b669
Exception code: 0xc00000fd
Fault offset: 0x004bb227
Faulting process id: 0x8084
Faulting application start time: 0x1DC598F08016729
Faulting application path: C:\Program Files (x86)\SoftMaker\FreePDF 2025\FreePDF.exe
Faulting module path: C:\Program Files (x86)\SoftMaker\FreePDF 2025\FreePDF.exe

[SuperTech]

Here are a few steps to help you start troubleshooting:

1. Check for Windows Updates and System File Problems
Make sure your Windows 11 is fully updated.

Open a Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

Code: Select all

sfc /scannow

This will check for and repair corrupted system files.

2. Try a New User Account
Create a new Windows user profile and install FreePDF there. If it works, the problem may be tied to your original user profile or its local settings.

3. Investigate Third-Party Software Conflicts
Try performing a clean boot to disable all non-essential startup programs and services, then test FreePDF.

Some background apps (overlays, clipboard tools, or “security” software) can interfere.

4. Review Detailed Crash Logs
The crash exception code 0xc00000fd suggests a stack overflow. If you have tools like ProcMon or Windows Reliability Monitor, check for further clues about which DLLs or actions cause the failure.

Check for any unusual entries in Event Viewer > Windows Logs > Applications around the crash time.

[nh91]

I'm going to be completely honest here... this is the most amount of troubleshooting I've done for a singular application that seemingly has zero crash logs or any normal way of troubleshooting. My Windows is up-to-date, my SFC comes back clean, Windows Reliability Monitor only shows 2 critical events, and both are FreePDF with summary of "Stopped Working." Every single other app (even other PDF readers!) have no problems.

I get that the free version is just to get people to take a look at the paid product, but how could I ever consider upgrading to the paid product when the free version doesn't even work and the developer expects me to debug their own app?