The PDF preview handler error most of the time is shown when previewing a file in outlook. The description of the error will normally state that the file can’t be previewed due to error in the previewer. Show Here is the message shown: “This file cannot be previewed because of an error with the following previewer: PDF Previewer Handler To open this file in its own program, double-click it” This happens when a new Outlook version is being upgraded and Adobe Reader is not set as the default PDF reader. Troubleshoot Outlook PDF Preview HandlerWhat Are The Causes Of Adobe PDF Preview Handler Error?
There is a setting called internet auto detects and when it’s enabled, it can lead to this PDF Preview Handler error. A lot of the time users have reported to fix the problem by disabling auto detect settings from LAN settings.
Another cause of the error is when there is new Adobe reader installation which has never been opened before. Adobe EULA must be accepted before you can preview files externally. If this is the case, you can quickly fix the problem by accepting EULA in Adobe Reader.
When the default PDF viewer isn’t set as the default app for PDF handler, and at the same time PDF thumbnail preview isn’t enabled, this error will likely appear. This scenario happens when previewing PDF files in outlook and in this situation Adobe preferences have to be changed to become your Global PDF handler. Registry problems can give birth to countless of errors on your PC, and PDF Preview Handler error is among such errors you can receive when the registry is corrupt. In this case, registry has to be scanned and then fix all registry errors found. Now you’ve seen the causes of the problem, lets share possible fixes to PDF Preview Handler Error. How to fix “PDF Preview Handler Error: This File Cannot Be Previewed Because Of An Error”Solution 1: Disabling internet automatic detect settingsWe’ve mentioned this as one of the major cause, especially in Windows 10. Here are the steps to follow to change your internet auto detect settings;
By now if the problem is related to auto detect settings, it would be solved, and if not, then move to the next fix. Solution 2: Accept Adobe Reader EULAThis one is really simple, all you need is to open Adobe reader and accept their terms of use. If you’re receiving the PDF Preview Handler due to EULA, it’s probably that you haven’t open your adobe reader yet. So just open the adobe reader and you’ll be prompted with a message to accept their terms of use, click the accept button and that’s it. Once you do that, restart your computer to see if the problem is fixed, after restart you’ll be able to use the previewer feature without problem. Solution 3: Set Adobe Reader As The Default PDF HandlerAs we mentioned in the causes if adobe isn’t set as the default for PDF handler and PDF thumbnail preview don’t have permission within the app, the error shows up. Making Adobe the default app for PDF handler is the fix in this case and you can do that by following these steps.
Check now to see if the preview error is gone, and if not, let’s move on to another fix. READ ALSO - How to delete windows update files -Windows 7 / 10 Solution 4: Run Adobe Reader In Compatibility ModeA lot of programs especially office tools, can’t function properly when they’re forced to run on older operating systems such as windows server. If for instance you’re running outlook 2016 on Windows 7 or 8, you can encounter this problem. And the best fix is to force Adobe reader run in compatibility mode when using older operating system. Here are the steps to follow in order to run adobe reader in compatibility mode;
Solution 5: Fixing The RegistryRegistry problems can happen for a lot of reasons, Adobe reader isn’t the only app responsible for creating errors in the registry, other apps can do so. Using outdated Adobe reader can likely temper with registry files and hence create problems in Outlook and windows explorer. Best way to fix this error is by updating your Adobe reader to the latest version, and this can be done by checking for updates in Adobe reader menu. If you don’t want to upgrade Adobe to a newer version, you can handle the situation in two ways;
Manual registry fixHere are the steps to fix manually:
Automatic registry fixAutomatic fix involves using third-party software, you can find some free options as well as paid options. Paid apps of course will be more effective. Just search online for “PDF Preview Fixer” and you find a lot of options to choose from. Install and run the ‘PDF Preview Fixer” on your computer and the problem will be solved. As with other solutions, you need to restart your computer for changes to apply. Solution 6: Delete Temporary FilesTemporarily files can cause PDF Preview Handler error and you need to get rid of them to see if the problem is fixed. Here is how to do that;
%temp% %userprofile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\
Solution 7: Enable PDF preview handlerSometimes the PDF preview handler can be disabled and you need to check to see if enabled or not.
Solution 8: Uncheck enhanced security in Adobe PDF reader.This is another effective fix to the PDF Handler error, you need to change your adobe reader preferences, and here how you can do that;
Conclusions:These are the effective ways to fix PDF Preview Handler . Of all the solutions mentioned in this article, our favorite is to use ‘Adobe Reader preview handler fixer’, This will simplify your life and it’s automatic, plus you don’t need to go through the manual process. Anyhow our guides are suitable to fix PDF Preview Handler on Outlook 2010 and Outlook 2016 We hope you like the article and don’t forget to share your results and the method that has worked for you in the comment box below. |