Read time: 8 minutes
The “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” message indicates that your PDF reader is not able to read or process your PDF document.
How can you fix “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” issue?
Try these methods one-by-one to fix this issue:
- Download the PDF attachment again from original source.
- Open your PDF to another trusted PDF reader.
- Update Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader software.
- Repair the Acrobat or Reader installation on Windows.
- Recreate PDF file from its original source.
PDF files are the most secure and shareable files. Almost every organization uses it for compliance, meetings, records, deals, and other purposes. But occasionally, when some users want to access their PDF files, they will face a “Format Error: not a PDF or corrupted” issue.
But don’t worry; this article will provide you with brief knowledge on why users are facing this issue and prominent ways to fix “Format Error: not a PDF or corrupted”.
Why Does “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” Issue Occur?
Many reasons are responsible for “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” problem while accessing PDF files. Some major causes are outlined below:
- When a virus/malware attacks your PDF files.
- A damaged Adobe Reader cannot open your PDF files.
- When you try to open a PDF using outdated Adobe PDF Reader.
- When your PDF files are hit by an accidental system shutdown.
- When you have a corrupt or damaged PDF file.
- A damaged or broken PDF file due to incomplete download or transfer.
- An improper system, file, or program handling practices by the user.
How to Identify Whether the PDF or Reader Is the Problem
Before you try to fix this issue, first determine the real problem with PDF or PDF Reader:
- Try to open another PDF on the same computer. If another PDF works normally, then there might be a problem with your PDF.
- If several PDFs fail to open, then your PDF reader or system may have an issue.
- If the PDF opens on another computer, then computer or PDF application may be responsible for this issue.
These simple checks can help you identify the problem with your PDF file. Now let’s ahead towards its solutions.
Primary Tips to Fix “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” Issue
After facing issues in PDF file, these primary tips are simple and quick resolutions for PDF file issues. So, follow the tips below to fix PDF file errors effectively:
- Reboot the System: Rebooting the system removes the bugs and glitches that improve the compatibility between application and system. When the system restarts, access your PDF file.
- Perform Antivirus Scanning: When you get issues opening PDF files, perform an antivirus scan instantly. If found, delete them and try to reopen PDF files.
- Download the PDF File Again: There is a high chance that issues may arise while working on the PDF file. To fix the PDF file error, delete the existing PDF file permanently and download a new, healthy PDF from a verified source.
- Try a Different PDF Reader Application: If all the above tips don’t work, you can try out another PDF viewer application that can help you to fix PDF file errors.
Manual Ways to Fix “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” Problem
There are many solutions on the internet, but they will not help you to fix PDF file errors. But we have mentioned all the reliable, working manual methods to fix “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” issue.
Way 1. Repair Adobe Acrobat Reader
Any user’s instant reflex to open a PDF file is to use Adobe Reader. When you receive this particular error, it is also a clear indication that there might be some underlying issue with the Adobe Reader itself. Either the program is not functioning to its maximum capacity, or it is completely damaged. In this situation, it is high time to repair Adobe Reader and only attempt to open the file again. To repair the program, follow the steps mentioned below:
Step 1. In Windows, click on the Start button, look for the Control Panel, and open it.
Step 2. Click on Programs and Features.
Step 3. In the Uninstall or Change a Program section, go to the Adobe Acrobat Reader and make a right click. Now, select Change as the option to move forward.
Step 4. Finally, click on the Repair Program Installation option to fix it.
Once the repair process is done, restart the system and try to open the file again. This may surely fix damaged Adobe Reader and allow you to open PDF files without issues.
Way 2. Reinstall Adobe Acrobat Reader Again
It may also happen that the version of Adobe Reader is outdated. In this case, it is suggested to uninstall the outdated version and reinstall the latest version to fix this issue.
Step 1. Start by opening the Control Panel on your system.
Step 2. Now, click on the Programs and Features option.
Step 3. In the Uninstall or change a program section, look for the Adobe Acrobat Reader, right-click, and select Uninstall.
Step 4. Once the uninstalling process is done, restart the system.
After this, install the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download it from the Adobe website. After performing all the steps properly, try to open PDF file again and see if you still encounter the error.
Way 3. Recreate PDF File
If you created the PDF yourself, recreate it from the original document. For example, if the source file is a Word document, spreadsheet, presentation, or another editable document, create a new PDF from that source.
Note: This method is preferable to repair when the original source is still available because you can generate a clean PDF without relying on the damaged copy.
If none of the tips and techniques can fix “Format Error: not a PDF or corrupted” issue, then the PDF file might be severely corrupted or damaged. So, performing unreliable methods may be dangerous, as it can cause permanent data loss and other related issues with your PDF data.
Choosing a professional PDF repair solution is the ideal resolution to fix damaged PDF files and restore the entire corrupt PDF file data.
Professional Way to Resolve “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted”
After a PDF file corruption, these methods become useless, even you don’t want to play with your crucial data. That’s why it’s time to opt for a trusted PDF repair tool to fix format error not a PDF or corrupted issue.
Kernel PDF Repair tool is one of the popular tools to repair corrupt, damaged, and broken PDF files. It can easily fix severe corruption issues and restore the entire PDF file data. In just a few simple steps, your corrupt PDF file(s) will be fixed, and you will end up with a healthy and working PDF file.
It can also recover your data from password-protected PDF files. The tool maintains the original quality of the PDF file and also recovers it with all its objects. It supports all PDF format versions, and you can easily use this tool in all Windows OS versions.
Wrapping Up
As you know now, the “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” issue can occur because of PDF corruption, incomplete downloads, invalid file structures, or problems with the PDF reader. Start with manual solutions.
But if manual methods are not capable of fixing your issue and you are facing this issue because of severe damage or corruption. Then use the Kernel PDF Repair tool to repair corrupt and inaccessible PDF files.
Frequently Asked Questions
A. Yes, you can fix minor issues of your PDF files using Adobe Acrobat Reader. However, if your PDF is severely corrupted, then a dedicated PDF Repair tool is recommended to fix the issues.
A. When your PDF file contains damaged or unsupported internal elements, you might find blank pages while opening your PDF files.
