Repair Damaged PDF: Cannot Open File, Fix & Troubleshoot

In our daily lives, PDF files have become an integral asset, serving as a handy format for sharing essential information across various platforms. However, encountering a damaged PDF file can slow down the workflow putting the critical information at stake. Thus, to overcome such a challenge, we will get into the depth of fixing and troubleshooting the problem of PDF file damaged cannot open. 

Portable Document Format files abbreviated as PDF files are the most commonly used documents for sharing documents through the web. Other factors, which make it a preferred choice over other formats, are:

• Security
• Ease of creation
• Platform independent
• Can be accessed in any application.

Adobe Acrobat file is Damaged and Could not be Opened Error

Although PDF files tend to be preferable as compared to other files certain errors are encountered while working with PDF files. One of the most common errors is: PDF File Damaged Cannot Open.

This error occurs in PDF file due to three main reasons:

• Damage to PDF file
• PDF file not decoded correctly
• Damage in the Acrobat reader
• Outdated version of Adobe Reader or PDF file.

If PDF file is damaged due to some reason, it will not open and the error will be displayed as PDF file damaged cannot open.

Adobe Acrobat software open PDF file if the %PDF-Header starts anywhere between initial 1024 bytes of PDF file. It did not perform any checks on the data stored in bytes before %PDF Header. With the launch of 10.1.5 and 11.0.01 update versions of Adobe Acrobat the security of PDF files have increased. It does not allow opening of PDF files, which do not start with correct %PDF Header. In addition, if PDF files have any issue in the PDF header then errors like Damaged PDF File Cannot Open or PDF file cannot open error will be shown.

Reasons Leading to PDF File Damaged Cannot Open Error

• Password protection (user and owner-level protection) may block PDF files from opening.
• Improper decoding of PDF Files if sent as an attachment in a mail.
• The file was created in a program other than Adobe Acrobat.
• Virus-infected systems may also cause damage to PDF files.

Manual Solution to Resolve PDF Unable to Open Error

One of the easiest solutions for error- PDF file Damaged or Corrupted cannot open error is by permanently deleting the PDF file and then downloading it again. Permanent deletion can be done by pressing Shift + Delete. This can prove to be helpful in case the damage in the PDF file is due to an error in decoding of PDF file when it was sent with an email. If the PDF file opens without any issue, then “PDF file damaged cannot open” error was due to improper downloading of PDF file.

In case deleting and downloading PDF file does not prove to be helpful, then uninstall Adobe Reader from your system and then install it again. You can do so by performing the following procedure:

i. Click on Start and select Control panel.
ii. Search for Adobe Acrobat Reader and right click on it.
iii. Select Uninstall option. Allow it to uninstall completely.
iv. Reboot your system by restarting it.
v. Once the system is started, reinstall Adobe Acrobat Reader from the official website of Adobe.
vi. Download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
vii. Select PDF file that you downloaded again and open it with the reinstalled Adobe Reader.
The PDF file should now open without any issue.

Note: This method is quite time-consuming.

Expert Solution for PDF File Damaged Cannot Open

In case, the PDF file does not open even after performing the above-mentioned procedure, then it is wise to employ a third-party application for doing the same. SysTools PDF Recovery software is one of the best-suited tools, which can serve as a reliable solution For Error: PDF error opening document file damaged. The tool repair corrupted PDF files and creates a new PDF file to access the recovered data.

The major features which the software offers are:

• No changes in the original formatting of the PDF file.
• Supports error-based recovery.
• Both Text and Image are supported.
• Compatibility with all versions of PDF files.

Noteworthy Steps to Undo the Adobe File Cannot Open Error

Step 1. Download and run the software on your local system. Browse the PDF file you want to fix.

Step 2. Scan the damaged PDF file.

Step 3. Next, preview the retrieved data from the Adobe file.

Step 4. Finally, Save the PDF files.

Conclusion

As they say, prevention is better than cure, one of the best solutions is to avoid the damage itself. If your PDF files usually get damaged you should consider revising the anti-virus software installed in your system to keep your system virus free. In addition, downloading PDF files from trusted resources ensures that they will not create any issues while opening, there will be less chance of damaging these PDF files. Also, getting an error PDF file damaged and cannot be opened Adobe.