Problems Downloading PDF Files

  1. You should make sure you have the most current version of the browser you are using. (You can usually check the version of your browser by choosing "Help" and then "About" from your browser menu.)
  2. Make sure you have the most recent version of Adobe Reader. (You can check the version of your Reader by opening your Reader application and going through the same process as above).
    • Note: To find out what the most recent versions are, of the above applications, you'll need to go to the website for that particular software.
  3. If you're having problems with PDF files opening in your browser, you should configure Adobe Acrobat Reader to open PDF files in the Adobe Acrobat Reader software, not in your browser window. If PDF files are opening in the Adobe Acrobat Reader software and you're having problems then you should try changing the configuration in Adobe Acrobat Reader so that PDF files open in your browser window. To change either of these behaviors, see the following instructions:

Opening PDF File Instructions

To configure the browser to use Adobe Acrobat Reader to open PDF files:

  1. Close your browser window.
  2. Start Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  3. Choose Edit then Preferences from the menu.
  4. Select Internet from the list on the left-hand side (under Categories).
  5. Under Web Browser Options: To have your PDF files open in your browser, make sure the "Display PDF in browser checkbox in not checked. If you want Adobe Acrobat Reader to open your PDF files then this box should contain a checkmark. When satisfied with this option, click OK.
  6. Close the Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
  7. Restart Internet Explorer or AOL.

Note: The next time you select a link That opens a PDF file, the browser may prompt you to open or save the file. If you choose to open the file either the browser will open the PDF file or it will open using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software, depending on the configuration option you selected from the instructions above. If you choose to save the file, the browser downloads the file to your hard disk at the location you specify.

For more information about the general preferences in Acrobat or Acrobat Reader, refer to the Acrobat Help.

Downloading a PDF File to Your Hard Drive

You can download (save to your computer) a PDF file to the hard drive from a Web page's link. (If you want to open and view the PDF file after downloading it, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed.)

Download a PDF File From a Link

  1. Right-click the link to a PDF file, and then choose "Save Target As" from the pop-up menu.
  2. In the Save As dialog box, select a location on your hard drive, and then click Save.

After following the instructions above, if you continue having difficulties downloading PDF files from our site, please email the Rock Island County Web Administrator. Please make sure you mention the name of the PDF file you are having problems with in your message, as well as the browser and Adobe Acrobat Reader versions you are using. Briefly describe what happens when you try to open or save the PDF file. Thank you.