Resolve the Issue "Access Denied When Opening PDF Files"


access denied while opening PDF

Have you ever encountered the error message "There was an error in opening this document. Access Denied". If yes? Then not to worry, because, it often appears when the system logic could not identify the corresponding PDF file. The main reason due to which users find the error is PDF corruption. As result of corruption files become inaccessible. In order to fix the error firstly, it is advised to reset the settings from Preferences. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss how to fix issue "Access Denied when opening PDF files" by describing both manual as well as an automated solution.

User Query

"I have recently upgraded the system and installed Adobe Reader XI. But, when I tried to open some PDF files I was encountered with the error message Access Denied when opening PDF files. So, how can I fix this error? Is there any solution for this issue?"

"I received some emails along with attachments as PDF files. However, when I tried to open PDF it was encountered with the error message "There was an error in opening this document. Access Denied". I searched for this issue and found that file is corrupted. How can I resolve the error? Can someone help me?!!"

“When I am trying to open PDF files I found the error. Files become completely inaccessible and I urgently need to read PDF files as it contains some important evidence. Can someone suggest me some solution for this problem.”

Manual Approach to Fix Issue Access Denied When Opening PDF Files

By disabling the Protected Mode in Adobe Acrobat there may be a chance for the resolution of the error. Basically, Protected Mode is used to counter any external agent that can affect the PDF files. At times, due to enabled Protected Mode, PDF files are not recognized as safe and hence cannot be accessed or opened. In order to disable the Protected Mode user have to follow some steps -

  • Firstly, open Adobe Reader
  • Then, click on Edit
  • New, go to Preferences
  • After this, click on Security
  • Then, Uncheck "Enable Protected Mode at Startup"

After completing these steps you will notice that the inaccessible PDF files now become accessible. Moreover, in order to make fast changes the user can make changes at the registry level. Therefore, to make changes at registry level user have to perform these steps-

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Adobe\Acrobat Reader\DC\Privileged\

Change the value “bProtectedMode”=dword:00000001 to“bProtectedMode”=dword:00000000

Automated Solution to Fix Access Denied Error

Although with the manual strategies user can manage manual settings. But, the error even persists when PDF file is highly corrupted. There are various reasons of file corruption such as virus or malware attacks, improper downloading of PDF file, etc. Therefore, in order to fix the error access denied when opening PDF files, it is recommended to use the third party software i.e. PDF Repair Software.

Benefits of Using this Software

There are several benefits of this tool some of them are described below -

  • This software easily repair corrupt PDF files texts as well as images. Moreover, there is no file formatting done by the tool while recovering PDF files.
  • Tool recover PDF from major as well as minor corruption.
  • All components within PDF files are recovered. These components include images, graphics, hyperlinks, object forms, etc.
  • All Windows Operating System versions are supported by this tool ranging from Windows 98 to Windows 10.

The Bottom Line

There are various reasons for PDF file corruptions and due to which user find access denied when opening PDF files. Therefore, in order to fix the error, we have discussed both manual as well as trouble-free method i.e. PDF Recovery software. But, with manual solution user can manage manual setting, therefore, it is recommended to opt for the third-party tool. That could repair corrupt or damaged PDF files without any difficulty.