Issue

The following error message pops up when trying to launch FineReader PDF on the workstation:

Service ABBYY FineReader <product version> Licensing Service
(ABBYY.Licensing.FineReader. <product version>) failed to start. Verify that you have sufficient privileges to start system services.

Cause

The issue can appear on a workstation that uses endpoint security software (e.g. Carbon Black antivirus software), or some files from the previous installation were not removed: "FineReader Licensing Service can not be started" error message during the reinstallation.

Resolution

There are 2 known solutions to fix this issue:

Solution 1
Completely disable all defensive processes in antivirus software (if it's possible without any risk).

Solution 2

Add program folders and processes of FineReader PDF to the exceptions of the antivirus software. 

FineReader PDF 16: 

• C:\temp\FR16
• C:\ProgramData\ABBYY\FineReader\16
• C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\ABBYY\FineReader\16 
• C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\ABBYY\FineReader\16
• C:\Program Files\Common Files\ABBYY\FineReader\16
• C:\Program Files\ABBYY FineReader 16

FineReader PDF 15 and earlier versions: 

• C:\temp\FR15
• C:\Program Files (x86)\ABBYY FineReader <product version>
• C:\%username%\AppData\Local\ABBYY\FineReader\<product version>
• C:\%username%\AppData\Roaming\ABBYY\FineReader\<product version>
• C:\ProgramData\ABBYY\FineReader\<product version>
• C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\ABBYY\FineReader\<product version>

Note: The AppData and the ProgramData folders may be hidden.

The processes are situated in C:\Program Files\ABBYY FineReader 16 or C:\Program Files (x86)\ABBYY FineReader <product version>:

• FineReader.exe
• FineReaderOCR.exe
• NetworkLicenseServer.exe
• Comparator.exe
• FineUpdate.exe
• Registrator.exe
• ScreenshotReader.exe
• HotFolder.exe