After all, the best way to solve an issue is to understand what causes or triggers the issue. What Brings About the 'Cannot Open PDF' Error Message?īefore we proceed to proffer solutions to the issues, let us first consider some of the reasons we may encounter the problem of PDF files not opening. If you have tried all the methods above and none worked for you, you should try other PDF readers you can lay your hands on, like FileViewer Plus. Way 5 Try to Open the PDF File with Another ProgramĪdobe Acrobat may be the default and best PDF reader for many users, but NOT the only one. Restart the app for the changes to take effect.

A pop-up window will come up click ' Yes', then ' OK'.

Then uncheck the ' Enable Protected Mode at startup' box in the Sandbox Protections section. Choose ' Security (Enhanced)' in the Categories list to the left Open the Adobe Acrobat app and hit ' Edit' and scroll down to ' Preferences'. If you are sure you really want to disable the protected mode, follow the procedure below: This basically means that a PDF file suspected to be malicious will not open. When in this mode, PDF files with malicious code that can possibly infect the Windows registry and system directories are kept at bay. The recent versions of Adobe Reader (from version XI) have a protected mode as a feature. Way 4 Deactivate the 'Protected Mode' at Startup More tips in Adobe's official downgrade center. In case you are worried about running an older version of Adobe Acrobat, who says you cannot re-upgrade the program when you are done viewing the particular PDF? So, assuming that you don't have the means to get your hands on an older version of Adobe Acrobat, you may have no other option than to downgrade yours, especially if opening the PDF is very important.Īlso, bear in mind that you cannot update the version of an already created PDF file to match the version of the Adobe Acrobat app.

This method may not sound too plausible and sensible, but it can help when you are trying to open a PDF file that was created a long time ago, using an older version of Adobe Acrobat or another program entirely. Also, the app will run more smoothly and efficiently on your system. Apart from solving the 'can't open PDF' error, you will solve other issues unknown to you and enjoy better benefits like newly added features. Year in year out, Adobe keeps bringing new updates to all their apps, and it would only make sense that you as a user should be up to date. One quick fix to the issue of not being able to open a PDF file on your PC is updating the Adobe Acrobat App.

How to open pdf mac