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Participating Frequently
August 28, 2012
Question

Can't open pdf files posted in Facebook

  • August 28, 2012
  • 1 reply
  • 81297 views

Instead of getting a dialogue box with the option to save the file I get redirected to a blank page. https://attachment.fbsbx.com/file_download.php?id=392022847530027&uid=1283073931&ext=1346122360&hash=ASv7l5CiUPpVW0JI

I have updated Adobe reader and Firefox. I have also tried disabling my anti virus, pop up blocker and firewall with no luck. This happens with both my PC (Windows Vista) and Mac. I have tried 3 different browsers as well.  I haven't had problems opening pdf files from other sites and other members of my FB group have been able to open the files successfully. Please help.

1 reply

pwillener
Legend
August 28, 2012

The easiest to handle problems with online PDF files is to right-click on the link, then select Save Target As / Save Link As.

P.S. I didn't know that people can now upload PDF files to Facebook.

Charade67Author
Participating Frequently
August 28, 2012

That doesn't work either. It will save an empty file.

Charade67Author
Participating Frequently
August 28, 2012

It appears that you are not being given a direct link to download the pdf file, but the site is running a script (.php) to handle downloading the file in question. When this happens there is no interaction from Reader until the script properly runs. Since there is no file you can download yet, saving as target will not work. The script has to run to provide you with the download. Are you running any extension that prevents the running of scripts? What happens if you try Safari or Internet Explorer?


It isn't just pdf files. I am also unable to open word and excel files that have been uploaded to my Facebook group.