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adobe reader downloads but will not open

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Despairing. Need to install adobe reader, flash etc. The files download but simply refuse to open when clicked on. I'm computer illiterate (well, not quite) which doesn't help. I've completely removed McAfee security (will reinstall at a later date) in case this was the problem but makes no difference. One of the comments that pops up is that this is a virus but I'm not convinced. HELP!! PLEASE!!

Despairing. Need to install adobe reader, flash etc. The files download but simply refuse to open when clicked on. I'm computer illiterate (well, not quite) which doesn't help. I've completely removed McAfee security (will reinstall at a later date) in case this was the problem but makes no difference. One of the comments that pops up is that this is a virus but I'm not convinced. HELP!! PLEASE!!

All Replies (7)

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Hello,

In order to change the default reader for PDF files (to not open PDF files with Firefox's internal PDF reader), follow these steps:

  1. Go to Tools > Options (or Firefox > Options).
  2. In the Options window, select the Applications tab.
  3. In the Search field, type PDF. You should find Portable Document Format (PDF).
  4. On the right handside you should find an Action column. Use that to select your favorite PDF reader. In order to view PDF files in Firefox, choose Preview in Firefox.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

Thank you.

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Thanks. My problem is, however, that having downloaded Adobe Reader the file saves to the Firefox library. it will not let me click on it run/install it & then tells me its infected with a virus.

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Sometimes a problem with Firefox may be a result of malware installed on your computer, that you may not be aware of.

You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:

Microsoft Security Essentials is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one.


Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

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Sadly having downloaded several of these options they are sitting in my Firefox library & again I cannot open them to run/install them. getting to the despairing stage now.

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Modified by Amit Kumar Thakur

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Trying these but again they go into the firefox library & will not run/install

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Don't try to install downloaded programs from the Library window! Right-click each downloaded file and select Open Containing Folder. Then do the installation from that folder.

If you haven't changed any Download preferences, all those files should be in the same "Containing Folder", so you only need to open that folder once.