Error 'The file cannot be opened because it is not a valid PDF document.' using Adobe Reader Touch

[Guest]

I have just spent several hours highlighting, underlining, and adding sticky notes to a PDF document on my laptop. I continually saved using the function at the bottom of the screen. Then I closed the document and when I attempt to reopen it, it says "The file cannot be opened because it is not a valid PDF document." My computer does say it is a PDF document in the file location and I didn't modify the document beyond saving it. I can open the document in Google Chrome, but it only has the edits on the first two pages, not the entire (much longer) document. Despite this, it does show that the file was last modified at the time I made the last save.

Support recommended that I uninstall and reinstall Adobe Reader Touch, which I have done. Any help to get these document edits back would be much appreciated.

[Title Edited by Moderator]

[Amal.]

Hi there 

Thanks for reaching out. As described you are using Adobe Reader Touch and getting the error 'The file cannot be opened because it is not a valid PDF document.'

Adobe Reader Touch is a very old application and no longer supported. You may try upgrading to Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (Freeware) and try to open the file there and check.

For more details please use the help article (https://helpx.adobe.com/in/reader/faq.html)

Let us know how it goes

Regards

Amal

[Guest]

Hi Amal,

Thanks for getting back to me - I have updated to Reader DC but it still will not open there. It says "The file is damaged and could not be repaired." 

Are there any other options? Or a reason why it was corrupted and my edits wouldn't save so I can open it?

Thanks!

[Amal.]

Hi there, 

We are sorry to hear that that's happening. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a freeware application with limited functions and capabilities. We can not edit the PDF using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. Please refer to the help article here: https://helpx.adobe.com/in/reader/faq.html

As the file is damaged, please try to recreate the PDF by doing 'Save As' as follows:

• open the PDF file with the web browser (Google Chrome). Right Click > Open with > Chrome.
• Download the file to your computer doing Save As with a different file name. and see if that works.

If it still doesn't work, please as the author or creator of the PDF to send the file again.

Let us know how it goes

Regards

Amal

[swadeep_4736]

im facing the same issue and it feels so devastating to lose all the work I've done on the pdf so far..I've lost all the interest in working further since all the efforts i put into the file so far seem to be wasted. Please suggest if there's any way to recover the file. This makes me feel that I can never trust this technology..would go back to reading files on paper intead of trusting this software !

[AnandSri]

Hi @swadeep_4736,

I hope you’re doing well. We’re sorry for the trouble you’re experiencing with the app.

Please ensure you have the latest version of Acrobat Reader:

• Mac: 24.003.20121 (Optional update, Sep 16, 2024)
• Windows: 24.003.20112 (Planned update, Sep 10, 2024)

You can download the latest version by going to the Help menu and selecting “Check for Updates.” After installing, restart the app and your machine.

Make sure to save the file locally and open it in Acrobat Reader by double-clicking the file or selecting “Open” from the File menu. See this article for more information: https://adobe.ly/47Dbyk4

Does this issue occur with all PDFs or just a specific one? Also, are you using a Windows or Mac machine, and what version is it? We’re here to help, just need a bit more information.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.