How to change the default program IE uses

In summary, the conversation is about changing the default program for opening .pdf files on Internet Explorer from Adobe Acrobat to Adobe Reader. The solution is to open Windows Explorer, go to Tools > Folder Options > File Types, search for PDF, click Change, and browse for Adobe Reader. It is noted that this issue only occurs with Internet Explorer and was possibly caused by installing PDF Convert Professional by ScanSoft. Reinstalling Adobe Reader fixed the issue.
  • #1
stewartcs
Science Advisor
2,178
3
For the life of me I can't seem to remember how to change the default program that IE uses to open .pdf files. I want to use Adobe Reader and not Adobe Acrobat.

Can anyone enlighten me?

Thanks...CS
 
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  • #2
Open Windows Explorer. This is as simple as opening a "My Computer" window. Click Tools > Folder Options > File Types. This should bring up a window that lists file extensions and which programs are responsible for what. Search for PDF. Then from the sub-screen "Details for 'PDF' Extension", click Change, then browse for Adobe Reader.

Hope it helps.
 
  • #3
I tried that before (and just again) and it didn't work.

It only happens with Internet Explorer though. If I open a .pdf any other way (outside of IE), it opens with Adobe Reader like I want it to, but not with IE.
 
  • #4
Also, it started doing this after I installed PDF Convert Professional by ScanSoft.
 
  • #5
Well I was finally able to fix it by re-installing Adobe Reader.
 

FAQ: How to change the default program IE uses

How do I change the default program Internet Explorer uses?

To change the default program Internet Explorer uses, follow these steps:

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the window.
  3. Select "Internet options" from the dropdown menu.
  4. In the General tab, click on the "Programs" tab.
  5. Under the "Opening Internet Explorer" section, click on the "Make default" button.
  6. Choose the program you want to set as the default for Internet Explorer.
  7. Click on "OK" to save the changes.

How do I set a specific program as the default for opening certain file types in Internet Explorer?

To set a specific program as the default for opening certain file types in Internet Explorer, follow these steps:

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the window.
  3. Select "Internet options" from the dropdown menu.
  4. In the General tab, click on the "Programs" tab.
  5. Click on the "Set programs" button.
  6. In the "Set your default programs" window, select the program you want to set as the default for the specific file type.
  7. Click on "Choose defaults for this program" and select the file types you want to associate with the program.
  8. Click on "Save" to save the changes.

How do I change the default program for opening links in Internet Explorer?

To change the default program for opening links in Internet Explorer, follow these steps:

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the window.
  3. Select "Internet options" from the dropdown menu.
  4. In the General tab, click on the "Programs" tab.
  5. Under the "Choose how you open links" section, select the program you want to set as the default.
  6. Click on "OK" to save the changes.

How do I reset Internet Explorer's default program settings?

To reset Internet Explorer's default program settings, follow these steps:

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the window.
  3. Select "Internet options" from the dropdown menu.
  4. In the General tab, click on the "Programs" tab.
  5. Click on the "Reset Web Settings" button.
  6. In the Reset Internet Explorer Settings window, click on "Reset".
  7. Click on "Close" when the reset is complete.

How do I change the default program for opening PDF files in Internet Explorer?

To change the default program for opening PDF files in Internet Explorer, follow these steps:

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the window.
  3. Select "Internet options" from the dropdown menu.
  4. In the General tab, click on the "Programs" tab.
  5. Click on the "Manage add-ons" button.
  6. In the "Manage Add-ons" window, select "All add-ons" from the dropdown menu.
  7. Find your preferred PDF reader and select it.
  8. Click on "Set as default" at the bottom of the window.
  9. Click on "Close" to save the changes.

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