"File does not begin with %PDF"

My son is using Adobe Reader 8.1.2 with IE 7 and XP Pro, and he's trying to access some university library files for research for a professor. On this page of files it says you need Adobe Reader but when AR tries to open these files it says "File does not begin with %PDF ". My wife's laptop is using Adobe Reader 8.0 with Firefox and Vista and has no problem opening the same files so the files aren't corrupt and I guess since it her AR opens them they are PDF files.

Since we live in different states I'm trying to help my son (by taking over his computer via LogMeIn) so I am able to see what's going on but have no clue what the problem is. While controlling his computer I have downloaded random PDF files and his Adobe Reader opens them fine. I have also uninstalled and reinstalled his Adobe Reader but it still doesn't open the library files.

I've done a Google search and this is a problem that does crop up once in awhile with certain Adobe Reader users but no one seems to have a specific solution or at least one that I can understand.

Is this a setting within Adobe Reader that I need to change or could this be a IE problem? My son prefers IE but would using Firefox make a difference?

If no one can help me find a solution would something like "Foxit" open PDF files or is this software only to be used with Firefox?

 

I don't have a answer for you with the problem you are having with Adobe Reader. I stopped using it a few years back and use the Foxit reader. It works with I.E.

 

I installed Firefox on his computer and now it works so I guess he will need to stick with it to read the files. Thanks!

 

mccoady
You are welcome. Good to hear the problem is fixed and your son's computer can now open pdf files.