Greyed out pdf files

[djprescott]

When I receive an e-mail with a pdf file attached, it is always greyed out and I have to forward it to open it. This only happens on my work computer. Any thoughts on what might be the problem?

[LeMarchand]

Probably something more technical than this, but has your work computer got Adobe Reader on it, and is it fairly up to date? It might be greyed out because it can't read the file. (If this is the case, the reader is a free download assuming you have the necessary permissions to dl and install softwware on the computer).

[woofgang]

Your IT dept might not allow pdf opening because of the risk that it might have a virus in it. A good starting place would be to ask them (unless of course you are the IT dept, lol)

[djprescott]

Thanks for the responses. Firstly, we are only a small company and i do all the IT operations. With regard to opening the file, I do have Adobe Acrobat reader, it isn't the latest version but is the same ver I am using at home. The fact that it will open when I forward (when i say forward I mean start to forward and then when it opens another email window I can open the pdf) must mean the reader is ok? Any further ideas?

[Dave Potts]

If you're using Outlook Express check to see if the following appears at the top of your email: "OE removed access to the following unsafe attachments in your mail: yourpdf.pdf" If it's there, its basically a security doodah in Outlook Express that's there to prevent you infecting your computer. A pdf file will be lsited in your PCs Internet Explorer 'unsafe file' list and any e-mail attachment with a file type that is reported as "unsafe" is not downloaded, and access to such attachments is always removed. If you want to always be able to view such files, do the following to allow Outlook Express to show the attachment, but be aware that you will be making your PC somewhat less secure in doing so. On the Tools menu, click Options. Click the Security tab and under 'Virus Protection', uncheck the 'Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus' checkbox and then click OK. Job done. Your pdf files should now be viewable!