Opening Pdfs

[Questman]

I use a Windows 7 laptop and have recently been having difficulty opening PDFs.
It used to be that I just clicked on the file and it opened.
Now most times this does not work, so I right click to a menu and click on open. This only works sometimes. Overall it can take me a while and a lot of frustration to get a PDF to open.

Anyone know the reason and better still a solution?

[RATTER15]

You need "Adobe Acrobat" free download

[HansUrbancka]

Make sure your PDF Reader is up-to-date. If it's Adobe then :-

Click open Adobe Reader > Help > Check for updates.

Hans.

[Questman]

I have Adobe Reader X and it is up to date.
So I guess there must be some other reason for reluctance to open PDF files.

[SlackAlice]

Try checking your file associations.
Click Windows button and type 'file associations' in the search box.
In the results box click on 'Make a file type always open in a specific program', from the next window scroll all the way down to .pdf and see whats specified either Adobe or the program you normally use.

If there is no listing then you will have to 'Browse' to the programs installation folder and click on the .exe file there to nominate it.

[Gizmonster]

Are you having problems with some files, but not others ??
If so, maybe the problem lies within the files themselves, rather than within your computer ??

[HansUrbancka]

Adobe Reader X should still work but it is out-of-date because it was replaced in October 2012 by version No. X1.

It might be worth re-placing your present edition with Adobe Reader X1.

It is also possible that a 'nastie' has got into your laptop and it needs to be flushed out with Malwarebytes. If you haven't got Malwarebytes then I suggest you download the free edition (refuse any trial of the paid-for version) and see what a quick scan reveals.:-

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Hans.

[SlackAlice]

Bearing in mind Gizmonsters answer, why not install a different pdf reader if your still having trouble.

I'd recommend Foxit, after downloading, go for the custom install and opt out where necessary, especially on the Yahoo toolbar.

http://www.foxitsoftware.com/Secure_PDF_Reader/

[Questman]

Following HansUrbancka's recommendation I have installed Adobe Acrobat Reader X1.
So far it seems to have done the trick.
Thanks to all AB members who have made such helpful suggestions.