PDF files don't display or save from websites

Question

Level 1

0 points

PDF files don't display or save from websites

I am unable to now download and save a PDF file from a website. I get either a blank window when I click on the PDF file link, or a message during the attempt to save that reads "The document “filename.pdf” could not be exported as “filename.pdf”." I am also unable to print the file from a website or save as a PDF.

This problem is a recent development, occurring in both OS X 10.7.3 and 10.7.4 on my MacBook. It occurs in both Safari 5.1.6 and Firefox 4.0.1. Since it occurs on more than one browser, I'm pointing towards the OS. I use Adobe Reader 10.1.3.

The problem does not occur on my MacBook Pro using OS X 10.6.8, using an older version of Safari.

I just updated from X 10.7.3 to 10.7.4 but with no results. I uninstalled Reader and reinstalled. Same results. Reader opens other PDF files on my hard drive with no difficulty.

Suggestions?

Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on May 12, 2012 8:28 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,649 points

May 12, 2012 10:17 PM in response to brockrl

Back up all data.

Quit Safari. In the Finder, select Go ▹ Go to Folder... from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-G. Copy the line of text below into the box that opens, and press return:

/Library/Internet Plug-ins

From the folder that opens, remove any items that have the letters “PDF” in the name. You may be prompted for your login password. Then launch Safari and test.

If you still have the issue, repeat with this line:

~/Library/Internet Plug-ins

If you don’t like the results of this procedure, restore the items from the backup you made before you started. Relaunch Safari again.

Reply

Answer 2

SQRL!!

Level 1

0 points

May 13, 2012 5:31 AM in response to Linc Davis

I had the same problem as brockrl. Your solution worked. Thanx.

Reply

Answer 3

brockrl Author

Level 1

0 points

May 13, 2012 6:26 AM in response to Linc Davis

Somehow I knew Linc would come to my rescue. I logged on and reviewed several other discussions before I posted mine. I noticed Linc always seemed to have very knowledgable and concise solutions. You've got a new fan. Thanks for your assistance. RLB

Reply

Answer 4

May 13, 2012 7:11 AM in response to Linc Davis

Thank you. Worked perfectly.

Mac OS X Lion 10.7.4

Reply

Answer 5

Dec 27, 2012 3:04 AM in response to Linc Davis

After many attempts at reinstalls .. I found this discussion and your simple, fast solution to the problem. Thank you, thank you.

Reply

Answer 6

Apr 23, 2014 12:25 AM in response to Linc Davis

G'day Linc Davis,

I found your advice after resorting to Google. I tried searching the Apple Support pages but the search engine didn't take me to a link that addressed my specific question. Your above answer resolved a problem that has bugged me for 12 months.

Thanks for your interest, and the experience, that helps Luddites like me!

As Right2Fly and others have said, Thank you, thank you!

Regards!

Reply

Answer 7

Jul 17, 2014 1:15 PM in response to Linc Davis

Linc,

THANKS. THIS WORKED FOR ME TOO!

Using: Mavericks 10.9.4

Reply