Adobe Creative Cloud installation or update failed with Error 42
Installer was unable to access a critical file/directory. Please try installing again. (Error Code: 42)
The Creative Cloud installer cannot verify the digital certificate of a critical executable, or cannot access a required file or directory. This is often caused by an invalid or untrusted Adobe digital certificate.
Installer was unable to access a critical file/directory. Please try installing again. (Error Code: 42)
Why it happens
The bootstrapper process certificate does not match the expected Adobe certificate.
Required Adobe root certificates are not installed as Trusted Root Certification Authorities on the device.
The Creative Cloud installer executable has been tampered with or corrupted.
How to fix it
Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Adobe Creative Cloud\ACC, right-click Creative Cloud.exe, go to Properties > Digital Signatures, and verify the signature reads 'This digital signature is OK'.
If the certificate is invalid, download and install the Adobe root certificates into the Trusted Root Certification Authorities store on Windows.
Retry the installation or update after the certificates are installed.
