opening pdf files

[tearinghair]

You'll all be getting so fed up with me asking basic questions; apologies in advance!

I can't open pdf files at the moment (now running Windows 7). I was having problems with Acrobat reader, and while trying to put it right I unintentionally clicked on Windows media centre for 'always use this program to open this sort of file'. I want to use Acrobat. I've tried Control panel, but it doesn't seem to have a Change or Repair button. Any ideas, please?

[SlackAlice]

Right click on the pdf file and choose 'open with' . You should then get a choice of programs, highlight Adobe Acrobat and put 'tick' in the box for 'always use this program'

[tearinghair]

I'm not getting an 'open with', just 'open'.

[MarkRae]

Do yourself a HUGE favour and uninstall the Adobe Reader - it's a serious resource hog.

Use this instead: http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/

[tearinghair]

I think I need Adobe for one particular Favourite, MarkRae.

[Old_Geezer]

What if after highlighting the pdf file in Explorer, you check the "File" menu at the top for an "open With" option ?

[tearinghair]

I've now found an Open With option, but it only offers IE or Windows media. On IE it tells me that my current security settings do not allow me to open it.

[Old_Geezer]

It's unlikely you'd need Adobe if you use a different application that performs the same function. Unless the shortcut defined Adobe for some reason. Worth a try. I have Foxit.

[MarkRae]

> I think I need Adobe for one particular Favourite, MarkRae.

You don't...

[Old_Geezer]

Weird. Well if you still want Adobe, one solution may be to delete and reinstall it. Hopefully that'll convince your PC that Adobe is an option for a pdf file.

[AB Editor]

MarkRae is correct, get hold of Foxit and you'll find PDF's load-up much quicker.

To change Associations do the following:

1. Type "associations" into the search bar after you click start.
2. Click: "Make a file type always open in a specific program"
3. Find ".pdf" in the list.
4. Click "Change program"
5. Choose Adobe or Foxit (choose "browse" and find the program on your computer if it isn't on the main list)

Hope this helps,

Spare

[tearinghair]

Spare ed, I've just tried that but it doesn't show Adobe on the list.

[tearinghair]

am now trying to download it again. It seems to be taking ages...is that right?

[MarkRae]

When you install Foxit, it will automatically set itself up as the default application associated with PDF files.

[mike11111]

Now that you mention it, what does PDF stand for?

[MarkRae]

http://en.wikipedia.o...table_Document_Format

[Old_Geezer]

PDF files ? Didn't 'Brass Eye' do a warning on them ?

[tearinghair]

Markrae, I really do understand what you're recommending, but I just can't cope with anything different at the moment (I know I'm a wimp, but that's me). Would it make sense to disable the Norton (please don't tell me to change that, it's recently been renewed) Protected mode in order to re-download more quickly?

[mike11111]

Merci! My education is now almost complete.

[MarkRae]

> I really do understand what you're recommending

Not just me...


> Would it make sense to disable the Norton

Difficult to tell without knowing what you mean by "the Norton" - what Norton product are you talking about...?


You may be a wimp (your word, not mine) but your computer isn't working properly at the moment, and what I (and others) are advising you to do will not only make it work again but will make it work better than it did previously.

[AB Editor]

Old_Geezer, very good.

>>>am now trying to download it again. It seems to be taking ages...is that right?
Depends how fast your connection is really! Adobe are quite well known for their quite frankly obese file sizes and processor/memory demands!

Spare Ed