How to open file written for Reader V 6.0 on current Mac

[brets62658573]

My details: Mac running OS 10.12.2    Acrobat Reader DC Version 2015.023.20053 downloaded moments ago.

I'm trying to view .pdfs from a DVD produced (a decade ago) for a computer running a minimum  "WINDOWS 98 using ADOBE ACROBAT V 6.0)

The error message I'm getting is: "Adobe Acrobat Reader DC could not open '01.pdf' because it is either not a supported file type or because the file has been damaged (for example, it was sent as an email attachment and wasn't correctly decoded).

Is there a work around to enable me to view these old files?

Thanks in advance for any assistance

[try67]

If it's a valid PDF file Reader should be able to open it. Are you able to copy this file to your computer?

If so, and it still doesn't open, it probably means it's corrupt.

[brets62658573]

I should have mentioned that I'm not too savvy with computers. The files are read only and copy protected so I can't copy to my computer, only view them from the disc…if I could.

[John T Smith]

>files are read only and copy protected

That is a function of being on a CD/DVD... you may not re-save to the disc, so of course they are read only

If the files require a password, you will, of course, need to provide that password to open the files... if you really mean copy protected, as in the entire disc was created with the special coding such as is added to a commercial movie, that is a different thing

I have never had a problem using Windows File Manager to copy a file from a disc to my hard drive... so what is the message you see?

[try67 · Accepted solution]

It sounds like there's some kind of protection mechanism in place that's preventing the file from being opened directly. It's not really a PDF issue.

[brets62658573]

I think MVP's answer above about the protection mechanism is probably correct. I've been googling and finding other people in the past who have had problems viewing this (the disc has MG automobile repair manuals and sales lit on it) as computers advanced. It seems like it has a "hexalock" (whatever that is) on it. Beyond my abilities to get working on this mac…the disc will be a $40 coaster now. I guess I better stick with 1960's oily technology! Thanks for the help.

[try67]

Contact the makers of the disc and ask for a non-protected version that you can actually use, or for a way to remove the protection from the files you paid for.

[Just Shoot Me]

Or there might be a special Reader of that disc that is included on the disc and need to be installed or started from the disc.

Use your File Manager to browse the files on the disc and look for something that end in .exe or .app (Windows, Mac respectively)

[Just Shoot Me]

Since the DVD was made a decade ago I suspect the files are corrupted. CD/DVD discs only last so long. Like everything else they fail.

Even if they are Write protected you should still be able to Copy, Not Move, them to your hard drive and even if the itself disc is Write protected that doesn't stop the copying of file from it. It's protected from changing or adding anything to the disc.

If you can't copy them and you can open them then the file are corrupted. Or your CD/DVD drive is bad.

[Test Screen Name]

Basic rule: if you can't read the files to copy them to your desktop, then Reader can't read them either.