PDF Troubleshooting

Problems have been experienced by some users when accessing PDF documents. This can be due to a number of reasons.

Typical problems include the browser window freezing, or the PDF file opening as a blank page. This is usually due to the integration of your browser and Adobe Acrobat Reader. Large PDF file sizes can also cause problems.

The following will assist if you are experiencing these difficulties.

1. Check your software

Check the version number of Adobe Acrobat Reader on your PC. If the version number is lower than Version 4, an upgrade to the latest version of Adobe Reader is highly recommended and available free of charge from Adobe's website (external link).

To check the version number of Acrobat Reader:
1. Open Acrobat Reader;
2. Select Help > About;
3. The version number of Acrobat Reader will display.

Check the version number of your browser. If the version number of your browser (Internet Explorer or Netscape) is lower than Version 4, an upgrade to the latest browser version is highly recommended.

To check the version number of your browser:
1. Open your browser;
2. Select Help > About;
3. The version number of your browser will display.
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2. Save the PDF file to your hard drive for later viewing

1. Click the link with the RIGHT mouse button;
2. Choose "Save Target As..." (Internet Explorer) OR "Save Link As..." (Netscape);
3. Select an appropriate folder on a local drive to place the downloaded file.

3. Disabling Browser Integration by running Acrobat Reader in a separate window from the browser - Internet Explorer

1. Open Acrobat Reader;
2. Go to Edit > Preferences > Internet;
3. In the Options section, uncheck the Display in web browser box;
4. Click OK then exit from Acrobat/Acrobat Reader;
5. Restart Internet Explorer.

4. Change web browser security level - Internet Explorer

1. Within your browser menu options, Select Tools > Internet Options;
2. Select the Security tab;
3. Select a lower Security level than currently selected.

The Adobe Acrobat Reader is available free of charge from Adobe's website (external link).

If you still continue to have problems with accessing our PDF documents, please contact enquiries@health.gov.au

This information is current for 03 September, 2010
This information was issued on 05 December, 2008