Share this article

Improve this guide

AOL Mail Won’t Open PDF Attachments: How to Fix

We found a few solutions to solve this issue in no time

4 min. read

Updated onAugust 12, 2024

updated onAugust 12, 2024

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

If you can’t open a PDF file in AOL mail, probably the most frustrating issue is when you receive an attachment but AOL PDFs are not opening.

The error could originate from your PC, the sender’s computer, or AOL. AOL PDFs often fail to open due to misconfiguration in the mail-handling environment.

No matter the exact cause, here’s how to fix it:

How do I fix AOL Mail not opening PDF files?

1. Install a PDF reader

PDF readers enable your browser to open PDF attachments directly or with the reader. To resolve AOL PDF attachment issues, install a compatible PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat Reader on your PC.

Adobe Acrobat Reader is the most popular PDF reader and editor globally. It is frequently updated with new features and bug fixes, resolving most errors in subsequent updates.

⇒Get Adobe Acrobat Reader

1.1 Check PDF compatibility

If the PDF originates from an Apple computer, attempting to view it from a Windows system may cause AOLattachmentproblems. Let the sender know that you use a Windows PC.

Additionally, AOL mail attachment problems can arise from your web browser and hardware configuration. Ensure these meet the minimum specifications to handle AOL mail to avoid issues.

2. Disable antivirus temporarily

Sometimes, antiviruses flagAOLmailattachmentsas risky and block these files. This leads toAOLmailattachmentproblems as well asAOL email not sending reminders. If your PDF reader works correctly butAOLPDF not opening still, disable your antivirus program now and retry.

3. Repair PDF reader Installation

Navigate to the following location on Windows Explorer:

C:Program FilesCommon FilesAdobeAcrobatActiveX

In the ActiveX folder, look for the following files:AcroPDF.dll,pdfshell.dll, andAcroIEHelper.dll. The absence of any of these files can causeAOLmailattachmentproblems.

To get back the files, fixAcrobat Reader by reinstalling the software. Alternatively, you can repair your installation by clicking theHelpmenu and selectingRepair installationfrom the dropdown.

4. Perform an AOL Quick Restore

Note that the Quick Restore function is available only on theAOLdesktop software.

5. Configure AOL attachments to open in Acrobat Reader or another PDF reader

6. Choose a different email client

If you notice that the PDF issue does not originate from your PC and it is just AOL-related, then the next obvious solution is to replace AOL.

Many alternative email clients include similar features such as virus and spam protection, large attachment size, unlimited mailbox size, integrated spell checker, and more.

You can also findemail clients with productivity featuressuch as calendars, task management, advanced categorization and tags, up-to-date search function, and more.

Most email clients provide a similar user experience, so if you keep experiencing issues with AOL, don’t hesitate to look for a different option.

Summary

AOLPDF not opening is a frustrating problem, but these solutions are proven to resolve this issue without you losing any emails or attachments.

You only need a compatible PDF reader configured to handleAOLPDF attachments, and if that fails, simply perform a Quick Restore.

AOL Mail Won’t Open PDF Attachments: How to Fix#

How do I fix AOL Mail not opening PDF files?#

1. Install a PDF reader#

2. Disable antivirus temporarily#

3. Repair PDF reader Installation#

4. Perform an AOL Quick Restore#

5. Configure AOL attachments to open in Acrobat Reader or another PDF reader#

6. Choose a different email client#

Summary#