How to Open Corrupted PDF File?

Has your PDF file corrupted and cannot be opened? Well, this can be very upsetting. Especially when you need those documents. You might have important work files, tax documents, personal records, or school papers stuck in that file. The sinking feeling when you see an error message can ruin your day. Don't worry!

This complete guide will show you how to open PDF corrupted files and repair damaged/corrupted PDF files step by step. We'll cover both simple fixes anyone can try and more advanced methods using helpful tools. By the end of this article, you'll know exactly how to open corrupted PDF file and prevent similar problems in the future.

Part 1: Is it Possible to Open a Damaged PDF File?

Yes, it is possible. Even when parts of them get damaged, other sections may still work fine. The success rate depends on how badly the file is corrupted and what caused the damage. Many corruption issues only affect the file header or specific pages rather than all the content.

More serious corruption might block the whole file from opening at all. But even then, there are specialized tools designed to help open PDF corrupted files. These tools can fix the file structure and salvage your data in many cases.

Related article >>: How to Recover Unsaved Adobe PDF? 

Part 2: Why Do PDF files Get Damaged or Corrupted?

Before we dive into fixing your PDF file corrupted and cannot be opened issue, let's understand what causes these problems in the first place.

• Incomplete downloads: Files that get cut off during the download process often won't open right. This happens with poor internet connections or when a download gets interrupted halfway through.
• Virus or malware attacks can damage PDF file structure by changing critical code. Some malware specifically targets document files to spread infection.
• Power outages during saving or editing can corrupt files instantly. If your computer shuts down while Adobe is writing changes, the file structure breaks.
• Storage media problems like bad hard drive sectors, failing SSDs, or damaged USB drives can corrupt any files stored on them, including PDFs.
• Software crashes while the PDF is open can damage the file structure. If Adobe Reader or another PDF program freezes and must be force-closed, open files might not save properly.
• File transfer errors when moving files between devices can cause corruption. This often happens with large PDFs sent by email or transferred to thumb drives.

Part 3: How to Open Corrupted PDF Files?

When your PDF file is corrupted and cannot be opened, don't panic or assume the worst. Start with simple fixes that often solve the problem quickly. In many cases, the problem isn't as severe as it first appears. Here are proven methods to open damaged PDF files that have worked for many users facing the same issue.

Fix 1: Re-download the File

If you got the PDF from the internet, email, or cloud storage, the download might have failed halfway. Getting a fresh copy often solves the problem right away.

Steps to open corrupted PDF file through re-downloading the file:

1. Go back to the source website, email, or cloud storage where you originally got the file. Find the PDF document again in its original location. Download it again.

   

2. Try opening the new copy with your PDF reader. If it works, you can delete the corrupted version

If you still have problems, try downloading with a different browser

Fix 2: Update Adobe Acrobat Reader

Older PDF software may have difficulty handling newer PDF files or specific advanced features. If your damaged PDF won't open, your PDF reader might simply need an update to handle the file format correctly. Adobe regularly releases patches for file compatibility issues.

Steps to open corrupted PDF file through:

1. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer. Click on Help. Select Check for Updates. Wait while Adobe checks for available updates.

   

2. Install any updates shown in the dialog box. Restart the program completely after installation finishes. Try to open your PDF file again. If needed, restart your computer and try once more

Fix 3: Restore Previous Version

Windows automatically keeps backup copies of files in many cases. This feature can help recover corrupted PDF files that worked properly before. The system stores previous versions that you might not even know exist.

Steps to open corrupted PDF file through:

1. Find the corrupted PDF file in Windows File Explorer. Right-click the PDF file. Select Restore previous versions.

   

2. Find the list of past versions by date. Pick one from when the file was working fine. Click "Restore" to bring back that version.

Try opening the restored file. If that version still has problems, try an even earlier version if available

Fix 4: Use Help > Repair Installation Feature

Adobe has built-in tools to fix problems with its own software. This can help when you can't open PDF corrupted files due to program issues rather than file damage. Repairing the installation can fix missing components that handle certain PDF features.

Steps to open corrupted PDF file thriugh Help > Repair installation feature:

1. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader DC on your computer. Click on Help. Select Repair Installation.

   

2. Let the program check for issues. Follow the steps shown to fix them. Restart your computer to make sure the changes take effect.

Try opening the PDF again after your system reboots. Check if other PDF files open correctly now too

Fix 5: Convert the PDF Online

Online tools can sometimes fix PDF format issues automatically during conversion. This helps open a corrupted PDF by essentially making a fresh copy with a rebuilt structure. The conversion process can strip out problematic code.

Steps to open corrupted PDF file through converting PDF:

1. Go to a reputable site like iLovePDF. Choose the PDF to Word converter tool (or PDF to another format). Upload your damaged PDF to the website.

   

2. Wait for the conversion to Word format to complete. Download the Word document and check if your content is there. Convert the Word document back to PDF format using the same site. Download the new PDF file to your computer.

Try opening the newly created PDF with your reader.

Fix 6: Use a Different PDF Reader

Sometimes the issue isn't the file but the program trying to read it. Different PDF readers have different levels of tolerance for file corruption. Try alternate readers to open damaged PDF files that your usual program can't handle.

Steps to open corrupted PDF file through a different PDF reader:

1. Download a free alternative PDF reader like Foxit Reader, Sumatra PDF, or PDF-XChange Viewer. Install the new program on your computer following the installation wizard/ Right-click your corrupted PDF file in File Explorer. Select "Open with" from the context menu. Choose the new PDF reader you just installed.

   

2. See if the file opens correctly in the alternative program. If it works, consider making this your default PDF reader. If not, try yet another PDF reader from the list

Part 4: Lost PDF Files? Use Recoverit to Recover Corrupted PDF Files

Sometimes files go missing completely after corruption incidents. If you can't even find your PDF anymore, use specialized recovery software like Wondershare Recoverit to recover corrupted PDF files. This powerful tool digs deep into your storage drives to find lost data that seems completely gone.

Recoverit works with all types of storage media, not just your main computer drive. It can find and recover PDFs from hard drives, SSDs, USB flash drives, memory cards, and even some mobile devices.

The recovery rate is impressively high, even for badly damaged cases where damaged PDF won't open and files seem permanently lost.

Steps to use Recoverit:

1. Download and install Wondershare Recoverit. Launch the program and select the drive where your PDF was originally stored. Click "Start".

   

2. Wait patiently for the scan to finish completely (this may take some time). Use the file type filter to show only PDF documents in the results.

   

3. Preview found PDF files by clicking on them in the results list. Select the PDF files you want to recover by checking the boxes. Click "Recover". Open the recovered PDFs to check their content and quality.

   

Related Video >>: How to Recover Lost PDF Files?

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Part 5: Tips to Avoid the Damaged PDF Won't Open Issue in the Future

Here's how to avoid the PDF file is corrupted and cannot be opened problem in the future. These practical habits can save you hours of recovery work and potential data loss.

• Save files often when editing PDFs to prevent losing work. Set auto-save options in your PDF editor to create backups every few minutes.
• Use quality PDF software from trusted sources like Adobe, Foxit, or other reputable companies. Avoid free unknown PDF tools that might create unstable files.
• Keep your PDF reader updated with the latest patches and updates. Software companies fix file handling bugs with each new version.
• Scan files for viruses before opening them, especially if they come from emails or downloads. Malware often hides in document files.
• Back up important PDFs to multiple locations including cloud storage, external drives, and your main computer. The 3-2-1 backup rule works well: 3 copies, 2 different media types, 1 offsite location.

Conclusion

Now you know how to open corrupted PDF files using various methods ranging from simple to advanced. We've shared both basic fixes that anyone can try and more powerful tools for serious corruption issues. You can fix most PDF file corrupted and cannot be opened issues yourself without paying for expensive data recovery services.

If you still struggle to open a corrupted PDF after trying all these methods, professional tools like Wondershare Repairit and Recoverit are there to help. These specialized programs can repair damaged/corrupted PDF files even in severe cases that seem hopeless. Don't give up on your important documents until you've tried all the options in this guide.