PDF will load but not open

[dave4436]

I have uninstalled and installed Acrobat Reader DC, have done change while in the uninstall or change program in Programs & Features under the control panel. My problem is the pdf (regardless of source) will load the file (according to both the gauge & file size) but then just stops - it will not open the file so it can be read. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Adorobat]

Hi dave4436,

Could you please try the following steps and see if that works:

1- Are you able to access Reader's interface, if yes, check if there is any update available.

Launch Reader>click Help>select Check for Updates

2- If that doesn't work, download and run Cleaner tool from here: Download Adobe Reader and Acrobat Cleaner Tool - Adobe Labs

3- Restart the computer.

4- Download and install Reader DC from here: Adobe - Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Distribution

Could you please let me know the version of Reader DC installed on the machine?

Which Operating System you have on the machine-Windows 7/8/10 ?

[dave4436]

Thank you for the suggestions, unfortunately it did not work. Am using Windows 7. I tried installing Acrobat Reader 2015.020.20039 which did not work.  I uninstalled it  then installed Reader 11.0.10 English for Windows  following using the cleaner tool which also did not work. Dave

[Adorobat]

Hi dave4436,

Could you please try running Reader as an administrator and see if that works.

Locate Reader's shortcut on the desktop>right click>select Run as administrator, then open any pdf file in the Reader.

[dave4436]

I opened as administrator but as I had just loaded Acrobat Reader XI and not being able to open pdf's I did not have anything recently viewed.  I did have pdf's saved to the desktop which were able to open and once they did were listed under recent files of the reader but when I went on the web to try to open one had the same problem - blue gauge went to the end and the file size was same as what was given but the screen remains gray with the gauge & size in the middle but image will not open up.  My Dell Studio is several years old, would an older version of Acrobat Reader be a better option to try? Photo of the blank screen is just an example of what I am talking aboutPhoto of Reader shows the two pdf's which opened but were saved prior to problem on the desktop. Thanks.

[Adorobat · Accepted solution]

Hi dave4436,

We will try to troubleshoot the issue with Reader XI and see if it works without the need for installing the older version.

Try to change the setting for Protected Mode and see if that helps.

1- Launch Reader>select Edit menu>Preferences>under Categories, click Security (Enhanced)>uncheck the box next to Enable Protected Mode at startup and then click OK.

2- Restart Reader and open a pdf file in it.

I would like to mention that disabling Protected Mode is for troubleshooting purpose only, and not recommended. Please turn the feature back on after troubleshooting is complete.

Let me know if above given steps worked.

[dave4436]

That did the trick.  Many thanks for all your help. Will go to https://forums.adobe.com/message/9180547#9180547 and clicking ‘Correct’ below the answer. Many thanks again. Dave

[Adorobat]

You're Welcome!