There was an error while reading a stream.

[davidr47910596]

Hi,

When using the "Scan to Email" function of an HP MFP printer, and selecting the option of compressing the PDF file, the file opens in Adobe Reader DC, but displays improperly and gives the following error: There was an error while reading a stream.

More information:

- Adobe Reader DC opens the document, but displays improperly. It's missing a lot of stuff

- This only happens when using the "Compress" option from the printer.

- The file opens correctly with all other PDF viewers (Foxit Reader, Foxit Phantom, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Google Docs), so this is not an issue with the printer.

- I tried many different versions of Adobe Reader, on many different systems, but they all give the same error and display issue.

- This is affecting all of our organization's users and correspondents.

Here's a sample PDF giving the error: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1yV-OWDCYT-0R2ukZlJnERQPbGduHvKcR

This file isn't bad, but the error still comes up. For security reasons, I cannot upload the files that are displaying super improperly, but the error is the same.

[try67]

I opened it in Reader XI and it worked just fine.

[Amal.]

Hi Davidr,

Apologies for the trouble caused, as you are getting the error: "There was an error while reading a stream" while compressing the PDF file through HP Printer.

Adding on to try67

You may try to turn off the protected view. Go to Edit >Preferences > Enhanced security > Turn off the protected mode. and uncheck Enhanced security. Reboot the system and check.

Note: This is for testing purpose, Please turn ON the security after testing.

What is the current version of the application installed? Please try to update the application to the latest version. Go to Help > Check for Updates. To know more about the latest version available, you may refer to the link  - DC Release Notes — Release Notes for Acrobat DC Products

Let us know if that works for you.

Regards,

Amal

[davidr47910596]

Disabling security is not an option and shouldn't be the solution, but the error still comes up with security off. We are an organization of 200+ users. We don't want to open doors for intruders. We also can't ask the people we send those PDFs to to disable their security. Same with using an old, vulnerable version of Adobe Reader (ie. XI).

I'm on the latest Reader DC version downloaded straight from Adobe. No updates available. I had an older version which would give the error. Updated and still same error. The file works fine on Edge, Foxit, Chrome, etc. ONLY Reader DC gives the error.

Please try it on DC and see for yourself.

[Test Screen Name]

Info: I tried in DC and see the error. I also see a different error "an internal error has occurred" in Acrobat Pro X. To see the error it is necessary to scroll to the end of the page.

Detailed info (PDF programmers only): the page contains two image resources, x2 and x4. When trying to read x4 to the end this error occurs, however, a lot of data is returned first. This means that the image largely displays. A little may be missing at the end, or not.

Commentary: not all viewers report problems like this. It does not show that the PDF is good.

Suggestion: report this to the maker of the software used to create the PDF, including the detailed info above.

[jodyjay]

Adobe calls this support, but they don't provide a solution to what appears to be a common problem.  My solution was to download PDF Reader by Xodo, which is a free download, and now my pdf files open perfectly.

[Guest]

If this is still a problem, I have seen that it helps to update the firmware on the scanner. Have you tried this?

[Abelragen]

I am having this problem, too. I am using a Brother MFC-L3780CDW, and every few scans, I get this error message.

[tony_2582 · Accepted solution]

I have had this issue opening an embedded pdf in excel -- I found you need to make sure that all other similar programs related to creating or scanning the original are closed. In my case it  was Adobe DC that was open. Once I had closed my Adobe DC -- the embeded pdf file opened in Adobe reader as required with no issues. Hope this helps.:)

[S. S]

Hi @tony_2582,

Hope you are doing well. 

Thanks for sharing what worked for you.

Marking this as a correct answer for future users to use as a reference.

Regards,
Souvik.