- 1). Check to make sure if you have a PDF reader installed on your computer. You cannot open a PDF file without a reader program like Adobe Reader, Foxit Reader or Sumatra PDF. Click on the Start button and select "Control Panel." Double-click on "Add or Remove Programs."
- 2). Scroll down the list to see if you have installed any of the above PDF readers. If you do not have one, install one of them. They are all free to download (see Resources). If you do see a PDF reader in the list, go to the next step.
- 3). Launch the PDF reader. Click on the "Help" tab and select "Check for Updates" or "Update" depending on the type of reader you have installed on your computer. Wait patiently while the program looks for updates and install them. Outdated readers may not be able to open a PDF file that was created in an advanced PDF tool like Adobe Acrobat.
- 4). Rename the PDF file. Right-click on the file and select "Rename." Type a new file name, but making sure it retains the .PDF file extension. Hit the "Enter" key to save the new file name. Sometimes, a simple rename can troubleshoot errors while opening a PDF file.
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