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FIX: The File is damaged and could not be repaired error
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
TheFile is damaged and could not be repairederror messagepertains to theAdobe PDFsoftware (including theAdobe PDFReaderInternet Exploreradd-on).
Thiserrorpops up when users try to openPDF documents(usually downloaded or uploaded) within Adobe Acrobat or Internet Explorer.
As a result, the Adobe software doesn’t open thePDFsand shows this error instead:There was an error opening this document. The file is damaged and could not be repaired.
As one might have guessed, the error highlights that thePDFis corrupted. If that’s a recurringsituationfor multiple documents, you will need to address the core reason instead of just repairing one corrupted file.
How do I fix thedamaged fileerror?
1. Reinstall Adobe Acrobat
Reinstalling Adobe Acrobat will ensure the software is updated and replace the program’s files.
Therefore, that might be enough to fix the File is damaged and could not be repaired error.
Adobe Acrobat Reader
2. Repair your PDF file
If the issue is not related to your PDF viewer, then you may be facing a damaged PDf file. If that’s the case, simply fix it using a third-party tool like Stellar PDF Repair.
Stellar Repair for PDF
3. Repair Adobe Acrobat
That’s how you can use theRepair installationoption to fix Adobe Acrobat when the software throws out error messages such asFile is damaged and could not be repaired error.
4. Erase temporary browser files
ThisFile is damagedresolution is more specifically for Internet Explorer users who download documents or can’t openPDFswith that browser.
Some Internet Explorer users have confirmed that clearing that browser’s temporary files fixes the issue.
5. Download the PDF again
If the File is damaged and could not be repaired error only arises for a few specificPDF documents, try downloading the files again.
Those files probably got corrupted when downloading. So, delete the originalPDF documentsand download them again.
6. Open PDF Documents with alternative software
Remember thatAdobe Acrobatisn’t the only PDF software for Windows. Users might find thatalternative PDF softwareopens the files they need without any issues.
Try opening the documents with the freeware Foxit reader. Click theFree Foxit Reader Downloadbutton on Foxit reader’s webpage to add thatsoftwareto Windows.
One, or more of the above fixes, might resolveThe file is damaged and could not be repairederror, thus enabling users to openPDFdocuments again.
Which of these methods worked for you? Feel free to share your experience with us via the comments section below.
More about the topics:Adobe Acrobat Reader
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
