How to Install Adobe 8 Offline

Adobe Acrobat Reader allows you to read Portable Document Format (PDF) files. Adobe Acrobat Reader is freeware and can be downloaded from a number of different locations. Adobe’s website directs personal users to download a download manager, which then handles the large file download gracefully; however, there is no provision for capturing the full installer to install Adobe 8, offline. An offline installer can be acquired from other sources.

  1. Determine what version of Adobe Acrobat Reader you want to install. Adobe Acrobat Reader 8 is a fairly recent version, but as of April 2009, Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.1 is available. In general, you always want the newest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, but an old version will often allow you to view PDF files for some time after a newer version is released.
  2. Step 2

    Go to www.cnet.com. Click on the “Downloads” tab. Click “Utilities and Operating Systems.” Click “Maintenance & Optimization.” Choose to “Sort by Product Name.” Browse to “Adobe Reader.” The most recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader will probably be listed; click on this if you don’t see the particular version you’re looking for.

  3. Step 3

    Download the current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader or select the version you desire from the “Previous Versions” list. If choosing a previous version does not direct you to a webpage containing the product you want, please go back and download the current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. A newer version of Adobe Acrobat Reader should read a PDF file created by an older version of Adobe Acrobat.

  4. Step 4

    Copy the resulting installer file to your offline media (burn to a CD, copy to a portable hard drive). Take your offline media to the computer where you want to install Adobe Acrobat Reader offline. If the contents of the media don’t automatically display when you connect it to the new computer, open “My Computer” or “Windows Explorer” and browse to the media.

  5. Step 5

    Open the installer file. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Tips & Warnings
  • Don’t be misled by any ads on the website that may direct you to download a similar-sounding product from a different website. These are paid ads. Not all software products are created equal, and some of the paid ads may direct you to websites that will try to charge you or give you an unsafe product containing viruses or malware.