Troubleshooting steps for PDFs that do not open include updating Adobe Reader or Acrobat, repairing the Adobe Reader installation, reinstalling the application, and confirming that the operating system is set to open PDFs with Adobe software. These suggestions are provided as a courtesy, and because opening PDF files is outside the scope of Boulevard support, additional help should be obtained from Adobe or Microsoft support resources.
Options:
Ensure that your OS recognizes the PDF
Update Adobe
Adobe releases regular security updates for Reader and Acrobat. The latest update patch frequently fixes conflicts with your system.
- Open Reader or Acrobat.
- Choose Help, then Check for Updates.
- If the Updater dialog box appears, click Yes. The update will automatically install.
- Restart your computer.
Repair Adobe
Using the Control Panel:
Reader or Acrobat, or the resources they rely on, could be damaged. Repairing the installation is a quick troubleshooting safeguard.
Close Reader or Acrobat. See Repair apps and programs in Windows to repair Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat.
Within Reader or Acrobat:
- Choose Help, then Repair Installation.
Uninstall & Reinstall Adobe
Reinstalling Acrobat or Reader is a two-step process. First, uninstall the app, and then reinstall the latest version.
Uninstall:
- To uninstall Acrobat DC or Acrobat Reader DC, see Uninstall Creative Cloud apps.
- For earlier versions of Acrobat and Reader, see Uninstall Reader or Acrobat for Windows.
Reinstall:
- For Acrobat DC, see Download and install Creative Cloud apps.
- For Reader DC, see Download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader DC for Windows or Mac.
Ensure that your OS recognizes the PDF
Your system may not be set up to automatically open PDFs from the desktop with Reader or Acrobat.
Windows:
Right-click on the PDF, and then choose Open with, then Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat in the list of programs.
Mac OS:
- Click the PDF file icon in the Finder to select it.
- Choose File, then Get Info.
- Click the triangle next to Open With and choose Adobe Acrobat Reader or Adobe Acrobat from the pop-up list (if your preference is not on the list, choose Other to select it).
- Click Change All.
Additional Troubleshooting
For additional help, visit the support websites for either Adobe, Windows, or Apple.
| Symptom or Error | Solution |
|---|---|
| Can't view a PDF in a web browser, or the PDF opens outside the browser. | View Article |
|
For Windows |
|
For Mac Os |
| Other |