Double-click doesn't work for acrobat reader

[Xplorer]

Double-clicking on a pdf file doesn't work anymore. I have adobe reader 6.01
installed and working. Before, double-clicking pdf files would start the
program. But lately, it stopped working. I still can open the adobe reader
program. I tried reinstalling adeobe reader but the problem isn't fixed.
When I right click a pdf file, adobe reader is still the default program
(i.e., it is in bold letters). However, choosing it after right-clicking
doesn't work either. What works is: right-clicking, then choosing "open
with..." and then choosing adobe reader from the menu that opens up.

Frankie

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

Before you reinstall it, did you first remove it. If not, try removing it,
then reinstall and see if that resolves it.

If not, if this is a recent issue, try using System Restore to take you back
to a time prior to when this started. Start\All Programs\Accessories\System
Tools\System Restore.

 

[Xplorer]

Hello Michael!

Those didn't work either. Is there a registry edit to fix this? All my other
files when double-clicked open up with their respective programs. Its just
these pdf files that won't.

Frankie

 

[t.cruise]

Click Start, click Run,
type: regedit
Click OK.
When the Registry Editor opens, go to the key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.pdf

Right click that key, then left click Delete. Then close the Registry
Editor. Reboot your system.

Then open My Computer or Windows Explorer, right click a *.pdf file, then
left click: Open With, and when the Open With dialog box opens click the
Browse button, navigate to the Adobe Reader EXE file. I use an older
version than you, but the path should be about the same:

C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 4.0\Reader

My EXE file for the 4.0 version in that folder is: AcroRD32.exe, yours might
have a slightly different name. Click on your version of the Acrobat Reader
EXE file to highlight it, click the Open button. Then, you'll be back at
the Open With Dialog box, click the option: Always use the selected program
to open this type of file, then click the OK button. Reboot your system,
and hopefully double clicked *.pdf files will then open in Acrobat Reader.
(No flames about my using such an old version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. It
works, and some people have had problems with newer versions. I believe
that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it.")

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

Hmm, a reinstall of the application should have reset the file association.
Try the information below:

If this is a relatively recent issue, you might try using System Restore to
take you back to a time when this worked properly. Start\All
Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore. If that doesn't resolve
it, try the information below.


The following assumes you have an actual XP CD as opposed to a restore CD or
restore partition supplied by your PC manufacturer.

Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press enter. Note, there
is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will be asked for your XP
CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen may appear, this is
not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being invoked by autorun. Simply
minimize the screen and allow sfc to continue.

If the above fails to resolve the issue, try a repair install as follows:



Be sure you are well backed up in case there is a problem from which you are
unable to recover. NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data
files intact, if something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be
forced to start over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your
data backed up, you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.



Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD, it
should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if you
wish to boot from the CD press any key.



Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin. You will see a reference
asking if you need to load special drivers and another notice that if you
wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console) depress F2. Just let
setup run past all of that. It will continue to load files and drivers.



Then it will bring you to a screen. Eventually, you will come to a screen
with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair Windows Installation
using the Recovery console.



The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want and requires you to
press enter. When asked, press F8 to accept the end user agreement. Setup
will then search for previous versions of Windows. Upon finding your
version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current installation or
install fresh. Press R, that will run a repair installation. From there
on, follow the screens.