Adobe is killing me...

by 61 replies
70
Hello Everyone,

I can't download PDF files. Certainly, I would appreciate if some one
could help me. Here's what's happening:

1. I've Windows 7.
2. I've installed in my pc:
Adobe Reader XI (11002)
Adobe Flash Player 11 ActiveX
Adobe Flash Player Active X
Adobe Air
Java 7 Update 21 (somewhere i read have to be on)
3. MS Security Essentials is ON
Windows Defender is OFF
No other Firewall or Antivirus Installed.
4. I Can read any PDF already installed.
5. When I try to download a PDF the download goes all the way
to the end and get message: "xxxxxx file xxxxx.zip couldn't be downloaded
If the file is no zipped I get the same message.

This is the best info I can give as far as I know.
Thank you so much for your help!

Meharis
#off topic forum
  • Doesn't sound like Adobe to me.
    • [1] reply
    • Thank you for your response:
      Kim,
      Whos That Guru,
      Seasoned - Steve,
      Tagiscom - Shane

      I'll try to get into Adobe's Settings (if I figure how) and see what I come up with.
      Also, I'll follow up with the rest of suggestions. Thank you again!

      Meharis
      • [2] replies
  • CamStudio - Free Screen Recording Software

    Get this & record a quick screen capture showing the error in action. We'll be able to help figure it out a lot easier that way.

    Camstudio is free, dont worry.

    But like Kim posted, it doesn't sound like something to do with adobe.. it's most likely just some simple fix.
  • Adobe does NOT DOWNLOAD, ZIP, or UNZIP files. The code is simply NOT there! FURTHER, NO antivirus program, unless it is SERIOUSLY bad, will block the downloading of a PDF file. SO, KIM IS RIGHT! This is NOT an adobe problem!

    BTW:

    1. I have Windows 7.
    2. I have installed in my pc:
    Adobe Reader XI (11002)
    Adobe Flash Player 11 ActiveX
    Adobe Flash Player Active X
    Adobe Air
    Java 6 AND 7! In fact, I believe I have both NOW!
    3. MS Security Essentials is ON
    4. I Can read any PDF already installed.
    5. When I try to download a PDF the download generally goes all the way
    to the end and it generally displays.

    I have downloaded literally GIGABYTES of PDFs in just the past few weeks!

    Your problem is probably a mime error, O/S corruption, program corruption, a virus, or a bad antivirus or network program.

    First off, maybe try another browser or try to use a certain browser to download and run the latest version of the adobe install, and try it. HOPEFULLY they will fix the mime and browser-> adobe interface problem if there IS one.

    Steve
    • [2] replies
    • Yeah, if l was you l would go into Adobe reader settings, and try clicking on suspect settings.

      Sounds like Adobe is having kittens because standard copyright settings are getting in the way; you could also try the Foxit reader, free, but if you fiddle around enough, you will probably fix it!

      Shane
      • [1] reply

    • Thank you Steve.

      I did try IE & FFox with the latest Adobe version. No luck.

      Meharis
  • If you've been able to download them in the past it might be one of Microsoft's goofy "updates" causing the mischief as they sometimes introduce "fixes" that aren't ready for prime time. Try doing a system restore to the time before last update and see if that helps.
    • [1] reply
    • Thank you for your help. I did, but remains the same.

      Meharis
  • As per your description, what I understand is that when you download and save it saves as xxxx.zip. So as you save change the .ZIP to .PDF and try...

    I do not know if I have explained it clearly. What I am trying to communicate is that save the file as .PDF instead of the default .ZIP. You can do this manually.
    • [1] reply
    • Yep, probably a waste of time trying to find any worthwhile settings, may have to upload the whole thing and fiddle with unload settings instead?


      No, saving a zipped PDF file to PDF, may cause issues, best to download then grab the PDF and drag into your desktop area.

      If it still has kittens, then back to settings, etc, and just remove certain elements until it works.

      Shane
      • [1] reply
  • As several of us tried to tell you, I am 99% sure it is not adobe.
    I don't know everyone's qualifications that have answered you,and I am not putting anybody down, but I do know Steve and myself know what we are talking about.
    Why don't you take a screenshot of the error your getting and post it.
    Might give a better clue as to what is going on.
    • [2] replies
    • Maybe a problem with MS Security Essentials.
      If the zip is compressed on the server the encoding may be detected as a virus?
      If you are trying to download from a trusted site, turn off Essentials first and give it a try or go through your setting in Essential and see if you can find anything that could be a problem.
      • [1] reply
    • Kim, Steve and everyone helping me,

      I did follow your instructions to download Camtasia at:

      CamStudio - FreeDailyDownload.com

      Here is my homemade screen capture:

      "camstudio_freely_d2320754.exe couldn't be downloaded.""Retry" "Cancel" "View Downloads" X

      I'm willing to call over the phone to who ever is available or calling me exchanging phone # through private message. Thank you.

      Meharis
      • [1] reply
  • You need to quit thinking Adobe. I can promise you Adobe is NOT the problem.

    Steve, must have missed where you said that.

    Meharis, do you have access to anothe computer that works properly?
    • [1] reply

    • Kim,
      No, unfortunately, I don't. I just have a WIFI Samsung Galaxy Notes.
      But, what do you know? I can read PDF file from my Flashdrive.
      However, I don't think that would do any good to this problem.

      Meharis
  • If you have what you just said, you are not running Windows 7.
    I believe You are on an Android system.

    I may be wrong.
    • [1] reply
    • No, you're not wrong. I most like it wasn't clear enough.

      My pc runs under Windows 7 and that's where I've all my problems described.

      I just mentioned, I also own a Samsung Galaxy Note.

      Meharis
      • [1] reply
  • Meharis,

    I don't know HOW people do long distance 2nd or 3rd hand debugging over the phone day in and day out. I find it EXHAUSTING, and it is part of my job! NOW, I was hired to provide simple admin duties for a piece of a product I am considered an expert in.

    It has MORPHED into provding more complex duties for that, settng up things I didn't even know existed, supporting all hat, every little problem that existed, and even suggesting computer problems. I am EVEN supposed to support this person that seems to have like a 70 IQ that claims to know everything, but knows NOTHING, and he is in INDIA! ******TWO******* people already told me they feel he really doesn't know what he is doing. And they have FAR less exposure to him than I do.

    My FAVORITE is how a person called me with a problem. I KNEW IT! It was a ********STUPID********* problem that required people to throw logic and custom out the window, but I saw it happen like 10 times before. HAPPY DAYS, RIGHT! I gave him the solution! It would take a few SECONDS to check and fix! DONE, RIGHT? He ****SWORE**** it was NOT that! I was on the phone for HOURS trying to imagine how to figure out what could be the problem. This was a commercial product, and I didn't have source. I kept reminding him about my earlier suggestion, saying that I already suggested that and it was ALL I could think of.

    After HOURS on the phone, he said "You don't suppose it is because of ....". I felt like SCREAMING! ******************OF COURSE******************
    that is why! I mentioned that at the beginning of the call!

    Anyway, Kim and I told you this isn't a PDF problem. Do you have a virus? MAYBE! DID you? MAYBE! is this a MIME setting? LIKELY! Maybe you should find a nice local repair place, and have them fix the problem. They could likely have it fixed within an hour, and maybe while you wait!

    Steve
    • [2] replies
    • Well, the final decision rests with you, but not defragging while running one or more antivirus runs, means that software errors, which may not have anything to do with the Trojan, could still occur.

      A bit like you fix the flat tire on your car while the back one slowly goes down!


      I would personally do both until the Laptop can't defrag anymore or find any more bugs, then restart.

      And a word of warning, I got a Trojan on my PC with XP installed, ran a free antivurus run, and it found several things that Norton had missed. But Trojans do hide in System restore data as well, (not sure whether this happens with W7) so now and then l also wipe clean my restore points, and set up one new one, just to make doubly sure, its history.

      The one on XP is still there, but it managable, as long as l do a full system scan at least once a week.


      Obviously in your case, you would only delete your restore points when you are very sure, that it is history!

      Shane
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply

    • Steve, Thank you for your response.

      Perhaps, you could tell me how the "Maybe" MIME setting problem you
      mentioned have to be done properly.
      I'm not a tech person but, I know that is a File Specification allowing
      non-text emails attachments to be sent over.

      Thank you for your time,

      Meharis
  • Steve is right again. Defrag won't help.
    I personally am leaning to a possible trojan/virus which is why I asked if you had a machine you could download from.
    If you have someone that will get a program for you, download this and run it:

    Malwarebytes : Free anti-malware download
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [2] replies

    • Kim, Shane and Steve, Thank you again.

      Here's what I've done after reading 29 & 30.

      I did a Defrag

      Ran the "Free" Norton antivus. Result: Told all kinds of thing but if I've a Virus. Just a Bottom to "Buy". I Uninstalled.

      Ran the 30 day trial AVG. Found 2 "Medium Severe" Threats. One was Trojan.

      Try to dowload any file. Same result

      What I'm going to do next:

      Uninstall Adobe Version

      Run the free Malwarebytes

      Download Adobe from their site.

      Meharis
      • [1] reply


    • Kim,

      I did it as you told me.
      I try to download and got the message "cant be downloaded". Thank you again,

      Meharis
  • I know you wont be able to download, it,which is why I was saying get a friend or someone to download it.Put it on a cd or flash drive or something and install it on your non downloadable computer.

    Try this
    Turn your computer off.
    restart it.
    While it is booting press F8 key
    If Win7 has it ( I don't know) this should take you to a screen that lets you boot into safe mode with network support.

    If you can do that much post here.
    • [1] reply

    • Kim,

      Yes. I was able to do it and is asking for Safe Start + other options

      Meharis
  • If you can do that,select safe mode with network support. Then go to the internet and see if it allows you to download anything.
    • [1] reply
    • Hi Kim,

      This is too much...
      I did it as instructed. But did not work.

      I believe the best thing to do will be to take the pc to a shop.
      You already went way out of your route helping me.
      I really Appreciate your time and effort without quitting.

      The positive side for me is that during the process, I did learn
      things I wasn't even aware of. Thank you again,

      Cheers,

      Meharis
      • [1] reply
  • Ok, good luck. If you take it to a shop please come back and let us know what they say the problem was.
    • [2] replies
    • Hi Kim,

      I hope you understand I'll taking the pc to a shop is
      because I don't want you and other investing more time with it.

      Don't worry, I'll let you know what was wrong with this darn pc.
      Cheers,

      Meharis

    • Hello Warriors,

      Here, I'm back again with results of mi "Adobe is killing me"
      Actually, not any longer.

      Kim W.,

      You Were Right From The Very Start... Was Not Adobe.

      There was a nasty virus. Soon after I did try to fix it with
      help from all of you, my pc was getting worst and at one stage
      I wasn't able to use my mouse or typing soon right after.

      I went to Office Depot. Long story short, cost me $157.75 for
      "Data Backup & Migration" and "Restore & Optimize" Included was
      a Free version & installation of McAfee Securyt Center.

      The positive is that if it happens again, I'll know to do myself.
      Right now, I've McAfee, Windows Defender, Microsoft Essential and
      Malwarebytes Anti-Malware installed in my pc.

      I take this opportunity to send my special thank you to Kim W.,
      Steve, Shane and Whos That Guru and all persons that helped.

      Cheers,

      Meharis
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
  • Sorry,
    I have been a power user of XP since it was released.
    I have never heard or seen such a thing.
    .Of course it may have been a fluke with your machine,I don't know,but I have to agree with Steve, do NOT defrag a machine that is having problems until the problems are resolved.
  • tagiscom,

    In theory if certain network software, or some bad software took too long, strange things could happen. Defragging could make that APPEAR to go away. That is ******NOT****** the problem HERE though.

    Defraging on a virus laden system encourages spreading of the virus, wastes time, and could cause corruption. NOT a good idea.

    YOU see the symptom, generallize, determine a cause, generalize, and then come up with what you think might work.

    I am looking at the symptom, determining what it has to do, and what can cause that. It COULD be a real simple solution at this point. Defraging is definitely NOT the solution though.

    Steve
  • Sometimes when too many softwares are installed at a time it creates difficulties may be you should avoid installing many softwares at a time.
    • [1] reply
    • Yep, try installing AVG while Microsoft firewall is up, no end of issues!!! :rolleyes:

      Hmmm, l think that we could discuss this until the cows come home, maybe you are right and it was a fluke, or maybe it helps?

      Best to defrag, after running antivirus to death, if your budget is tight and the problem persists.

      Shane
      • [1] reply
  • Could be a permissions issue. Files can't be downloaded directly, but can be read from a flash drive.

    Follow the steps mentioned below and check if it helps.

    Step 1:

    a. Find the directory C:\users\ and select the directory having your account name.
    b. Go to the properties of your directory with right-click.
    c. Then go the security tab and edit your permissions for your files in this directory. You must have the permission to Modify and Read and execute.


    Step 2:
    Right click on Internet Explorer 9 and run as administrator and then check if you are able to download files.


    Step 3:

    Reset Internet Explorer and check if the issue persists.


    Warning: Resetting Internet Explorer is not reversible. After a reset, all previous settings are lost and can't be recovered. Rather than resetting everything, you might want to reset specific settings in the Internet Options dialog box or delete your webpage history.
  • Oh -- ALSO:

    Once you get it how you want it, create restore discs!!

    That is a MUST!

    That way, if things ever get too bad in the future you can simply do a "factory" reinstall, without losing all of your programs & stuff.

    Every person needs backup install discs, especially IM'ers, since our computers are our business.
    • [2] replies
    • Arrr, no, l just installed AVG, while the Microsoft firewall was up, the computer didn't like that!

      Or two firewalls running at the same time is a no-no.



      Yep, that can happen, l have used Marewarebytes, Antimalware, (free) on occasion or most of the time as it removes things Norton misses, or hackers have found ways around detection with Norton.

      So, Marewarebytes and Norton purr like a kitten, not sure about other; but as l said before, because Marewarebytes, is getting more pushy with their upgrade advertising, l will probably install Marewarebytes, occasionally, then remove when it has done its job).

      May try out the new one you mentioned, could save me some cash, each year?

      Quite welcome Meharis, glad you didn't have to reinstall the OS, serious pain, (l had to do that once)!
      • [ 1 ] Thanks

    • Whos That Guru,

      I'm keeping Just McAfee and Windows protection.
      I"ve created a "Restore Disk" and ran a Backup already.
      Thank you for your help.
      Cheers,

      Meharis
  • I would go out and buy an external hard drive and this:
    Best Backup Software for Windows Desktop and Laptop Computers
    and back up your computer now while you know it is safe.
    Then do regular backups.Daily weekly,monthly,whatever your needs are.
    Shadow protect is a bit pricey but the best backup solution I have used so far.

    As others have mentioned,running too much protection can be as bad or worse than not running enough,but everyones needs vary.

    I run MS Essentials while my pc is on,and about once a week I do a full scan with it (which in my opinion is a very slow scanning engine) and I also update then scan with Malwarebytes anitmalware.
    Also if I go to any page that looks suspicious, takes too long to download for what the page is etc etc, I will usually shut down the browser and do quick scans with both programs.

    I'm glad you are up and running again.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply


    • Hi Kim W.,

      When I mentioned "if it happens again, I know how to do it myself",
      was because I already did a Backup to External Disk and created a
      Restore Disk.

      I'll be using McAfee Free full version -included in my by Office Depot
      invoice- along with MS Essentials the same way you do.

      Also, I've included in my daily procedure to include 3 times a week
      running MalwareBytes. Neddless to say, anythig suspicious will be
      go through both antivirus.

      Thank you for your time and effort. I do really appreciate it.

      Cheers,

      Meharis
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