Help - Sudden problem opening PDF's and email attachments

[Sailbad]

This is my first time posting a question on here, and I must apologize in advance, but I am a computer idiot.  I have been using computers for what seems like forever now, but I really don't know a lot about them or how to fix problems.  Usually, if I have an issue, one of my computer literate friends can fix me up in no time.  However, the problem I currently have has even them somewhat stumped.

I have a HP Pavilion DV7  2277cl.

I have Windows 7

To the best of my knowledge, I have the most up to date Adobe & Anti-virus (Avast).

My problem began a few months ago, pretty much out of no where.  When I receive an email, if it has any type of attachment (PDF, photo, etc.), when I click on it like I always used to, the tan bar at the bottom of my screen appears that says (Open, Save, or Cancel).  Typically, I would only save it if I knew what it was and actually wanted it on my computer.  So 99% of the time, I would hit "Open".  Then it would download (and the tan bar would say either ?% complete or ?? seconds, and once it hit 100%, what ever the attachment was would open on my computer.  Now when I do it, I hit the "open" button, and the tan bar begins to say % complete or time, but once it is done (100%), absolutely nothing happens, and the tan bar goes away.  The only way I have been able to see any of the attachments is to save it to "my downloads" file on my computer.  Once it is saved, I then have to go into the file, and open it.  So needless to say, I am quickly filling my "my downloads" file with a ton of junk.  Not to mention it is a pain not to be able to just immediately see a pdf or an emailed picture.  This problem is NOT an email issue.  I have the exaxct same problem if I go to a random website and try to look at a PDF ( for example, PDF's of a menu from a restaurant website).  I have done a ton of google searches, but I can't seem to find anyone with my type of problem.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  Any input at all would be greatly appreciated.

[banhien]

Hi,

Many email agents/clients now block attachements including images and give users 2 options download or open to avoid nasty virus(es). Depending on your email agent/client such as Outlook, webmail (Gmail, Yahoo mail ...) you can setup your preferred way.

Regards.

[Sailbad]

I appreciate the response, but I am pretty sure it is NOT an email issue. I have the same problem if I got to random websites while surfing the net, and try to look at a PDF on their site (for example, a menu from a restaurant). I have tried looking at the "set up" stuff on my computer, but i can't find anywhere that specifically handles opening files.

[banhien]

Hi,

Please reinstall Adobe Reader, this may help. You can download it from the following link:

  http://get.adobe.com/reader/

One more thing, can you see something like this on browser ?

Regards.

[Sailbad]

I did re-download the latest Adobe yesterday while trying to fix this. I did again a few minutes ago upon seeing your post. Funny enough, I can't click on it and hit "run", because nothing will happen. So I saved it to my computer, and then ran it from there. It said I already have the most up to date Adobe.
Also, I do not have the Add-ons Manager next to my browser. However, I did go into my "Tools" and into Add-ons Manager from there, but I can't find anywhere that is asks if I want to see if my Plug Ins are up to date.

[banhien]

Hi,

Please check this for Firefox

   http://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/Using%20the%20Adobe%20Reader%20plugin%20with%20Firefox

and for IE plus others.

  http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/328/328233.html

Regards.

[Sailbad]

Well, I've had it for the day! I tried both of those fixes, and it still isn't working. Thanks again banhien for your time. I guess I'll try to research it some more tomorrow, and if all else fails, I'll have to break down and take my laptop to an HP service center.

[Dragon-Fur]

Hi Sailbad,

banhien is right - there should be some way that this is set up and it should "Stick" once it is done.

I just looked at Firefox and found this - it may help you get pointed in the right direction:

• Open Firefox
• If you do not see "File / Edit / History... Tools" then Right-Click in the clear area very near the top of the browser and Check "Menu Bar"
• Tools > Options > Applications > Scroll down and find (for example) Adobe Acrobat Document > Highlight it - In the right Column, Click on the current Action - a dropdown menu should appear and give you a chance to update your preferred Action for this Application.

• Repeat for each application..

• OK to get out

Hmm.. I don't use Internet Explorer. (OK, I have it and I use it under duress on occasion).  I have not yet found the equivalent control in IE.  Still looking.  Hateful browser - written by programmers.  Smiling.

Just Rotten:

You know, it this doesn't work, I'd uninstall and reinstall the Browser, whatever it is.  It's possible that the browser is just hosed (corrupted).  Be sure you Export your Favorites / Bookmarks before you do this.  You'll still lose some settings, but it may be worth it!

I hope this helps.  Maybe someone else on the Forum knows how to fix IE...

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[tbird37887]

Did you get corrected??? I am having same problem and cant even redownload adobe reader...cant download anything!