When I attempt to open a pdf file, Notepad opens w/ garbage. What to do?

Question

Am running XP Pro w/ Office 2000 Pro, McAffee virus and I've tried loading and deleting Adobe reader three times with same results.

Answer 1

Get adobe or another pdf programm....

www.adobe.com

Answer 2

Have you tried right clicking the folder, choosing open with Adobe Reader, and checking the box that says to use this program to always open a .pdf file?

Another possible solution would be to do a System Restore back to the point when everything was working correctly.

And somehow, I get the feeling that you may already have tried these things without success :-) but those are the two things that I would try first.

Answer 3

Configuring the browser to open PDF files within the browser window

When you install Acrobat or Adobe Reader on a system that includes a browser, you automatically configure the browser to open PDF files within the browser window. Acrobat and Adobe Reader install ActiveX plug-in files that allow you to use Internet Explorer or AOL to open PDF files. If either application is installed, but PDF files don't open in the browser window, work through the following steps to configure the browser:


1. Make sure that the system meets the requirements for the Acrobat product you use.

Acrobat may not run correctly if the system doesn't meet the following requirements:

-- Intel Pentium-class processor

-- Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Home Edition with Service Pack 1 or 2, or Tablet PC Edition, or Windows 2000 with Service Pack 2

-- 128 MB of RAM (256 MB recommended)

-- 460 MB (Professional) or 360 MB (Standard) of available hard-disk space; optional installation files cache (recommended) requires an additional 300 MB of available hard-disk space.

-- 1024 x 768 (Professional) or 800 x 600 (Standard) screen resolution

-- CD-ROM drive, if installing from a CD

-- Internet Explorer 5.5 or later


2. Make sure that the ActiveX folder contains files required for web browsing.

To open PDF files in a browser window, the ActiveX folder must contain the following files: Acropdf.dll; Acroiehelper.dll; Gbdetect.dll; and Pdfshell.dll. If any of these files are missing, repair Acrobat or Adobe Reader by choosing Help > Detect And Repair, or reinstall the application.


You can find the Active X folder in Program Files/Adobe/Acrobat 7.0.


3. Use a supported version of the browser .

Make sure that you use a browser that Acrobat and Adobe Reader support, such as Internet Explorer 5.5.


4. Restart Windows after installing Acrobat or Adobe Reader to update the Windows registry.

To ensure that the Windows registry provides the information your web browser needs to view PDF files, restart Windows. If the Windows registry doesn't update after you install Acrobat, the web browser may not find the references it needs to access PDF files on the web.


5. Remove older versions of Acrobat or Adobe Reader.

If you have an older version of Acrobat or Adobe Reader installed on the system, remove it by using the Add Or Remove Programs utility in Windows.


6. Repair Acrobat.

If you use Acrobat, repair or replace corrupt or missing files by using the Detect And Repair feature or the Add Or Remove Programs dialog box.


To repair Acrobat:

1. Choose Start > Control Panel.

2. Double-click Add Or Remove Programs.

3. Select Acrobat and click Change.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to repair Acrobat.


7. Reinstall Acrobat or Adobe Reader.

To ensure that the correct plug-in information is added to the Windows registry, reinstall Acrobat or Adobe Reader.

Answer 4

Hello,
If you want to download Adobe Reader you can download it here for free http://bit.ly/1jW5IzZ
To open a pdf file you need Adobe Reader.
Good Bye

Answer 5

Okay, I'm telling you this from memory, but it should go something like this:

Right Click > Open With... > Adobe Acrobat

... and make sure that you check the box that says "Always open with this program" before you press "OK."

If you don't have Adobe Acrobat on your list, then go download it for free at adobe.com.

Answer 6

In Windows, each file type is associated with a particular program. For instance, .txt files open in Notepad, .doc files open in Word and .html files open in Internet Explorer. For some reason, your PC has been set to open .pdf files in Notepad. Thankfully, there is an easy fix. In Window Explorer, from the menu bar, click on Tools > Folder options > File Types tab. Scroll down until you reach PDF. Highlight PDF and the default program for the file type will appear. Click on [Change] and scroll down and find the software program you want to associate PDF files to > click [OK] > [Apply].

Answer 7

Guessing maybe when you tried to open file it didn't didn't know which to use,, and you choose always and use use this program ..DO like first answer get Adobe reader http://adobe.com/

Answer 8

get latest update of adobe reader

if that still doesnt work,
right click
press "open with"
annd select adobe reader

Answer 9

Gambhir is back in sort as he purely scored a century in kinfolk circuit so it would a good thought to call in back for the 4th attempt and replace him, whether Rahane or Tiwary may be a good decision too.