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Downloaded PDF files don't automatically open. They used to just pop open but now I have to find the downloaded doc and click on it. Why? Using Firefox version 16.0.2 on a Mac system 10.5.8.
1 Correct answer
If PDF files are downloaded instead of displayed, try these solutions
Reset download actions
- Open your profile folder:At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Firefox button, go over to the Helpmenu and select Troubleshooting Information. The Troubleshooting Information tab will open.
- Under the Application Basics section, click on Show Folder. A window with your profilefiles will open.
- At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Firefox button and then select Exit
- Delete the mimetypes.rdf fi
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If PDF files are downloaded instead of displayed, try these solutions
Reset download actions
- Open your profile folder:At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Firefox button, go over to the Helpmenu and select Troubleshooting Information. The Troubleshooting Information tab will open.
- Under the Application Basics section, click on Show Folder. A window with your profilefiles will open.
- At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Firefox button and then select Exit
- Delete the mimetypes.rdf file.
Check Application settings
If the PDF reader plugin comes bundled with a reader application, check the application plugin setting if there is some.
- Adobe Reader:
- Open Adobe Reader.
- Once in Adobe Reader, click the Edit menu in the menu bar, and then clickPreferences... The Preferences window will open.
- In the Categories section, click on Internet.
- Make sure the first check box, Display PDF in browser, is checked.
- Click OK to dismiss the Preferences window, and then close Adobe Reader.
If you still can't view a PDF in Firefox, continue with the next following instructions.
Re-initialize the plugins database
Follow the instructions in Re-initializing the plugins database.This will force Firefox to rebuild its plugin database. If you still can't view a PDF in Firefox, continue with the next following instructions.
Re-install the application
If the PDF reader plugin comes bundled with a reader application and the above troubleshooting methods for Firefox did not work, uninstall and re-install the application.
- Adobe Reader:
- See Adobe's instructions for uninstalling (Reader versions 8 and above). You should also uninstall any other versions of Reader that are installed.
- Install the latest version of Adobe Reader from Adobe's download page.
If you still can't view a PDF in Firefox, please refer the KB Doc : http://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/cant-view-pdf-web.html
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Thank you! That worked great! I'll have to remember that if it happens again.

