This error pops up when users try to open PDF documents (usually downloaded or uploaded) within Adobe Acrobat or Internet Explorer. As a result, the Adobe software doesn’t open the PDFs and 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 the PDF is corrupted. If that’s a recurring situation for multiple documents, you will need to address the core reason instead of just repairing one corrupted file.

How do I fix the damaged file error?

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.

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.

3. Repair Adobe Acrobat

That’s how you can use the Repair installation option to fix Adobe Acrobat when the software throws out error messages such as File is damaged and could not be repaired error.

4. Erase temporary browser files

This File is damaged resolution is more specifically for Internet Explorer users who download documents or can’t open PDFs with 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 specific PDF documents, try downloading the files again. Those files probably got corrupted when downloading. So, delete the original PDF documents and download them again.

6. Open PDF Documents with alternative software

Remember that Adobe Acrobat isn’t the only PDF software for Windows. Users might find that alternative PDF software opens the files they need without any issues. Try opening the documents with the freeware Foxit reader. Click the Free Foxit Reader Download button on Foxit reader’s webpage to add that software to Windows. One, or more of the above fixes, might resolve The file is damaged and could not be repaired error, thus enabling users to open PDF documents again. Which of these methods worked for you? Feel free to share your experience with us via the comments section below.

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