machine keeps refusing to open pdf files

kevvyb said:

FI’ve got adobe pdf reader! I have always preferred that to viewing in browser.

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Please see updated post before last

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Sorry, this got a bit unclear to recap:

• Noticed return of issue that pdf files not opening from WINDOWS explorer. Nothing happens no response
• pdf file association with adobe pdf reader in place but refreshed
• still no go
• ran scannow, fixed a one drive link according to log
• Ran DISM.exe with RestoreHealth switch, this got to 100% and just appeared to have finished. Now realise I should have waited for the ‘Completed successfully’ message before rebooting
• Machine now stuck on blue screen ‘Preparing to configure windows. Don’t turn off your computer’ message. Lots of disk activity which keeps subsiding but then restarting, still on same message.
• BEFORE rebooting this morning had established that MS excel files were still opening as when I had this issue previously, at one point pdfs, Xls and doc files were all affected but usually only pdfs. As per Windows 10 bug? in which I noted a reboot usually resolved the issue before it recurred at some point but that alongside this issue I had also noted the slow webpage loading issue. Also previously resolved temporarily by a reboot.

I think I may just reinstall windows. Have copy of data up to a day or two ago on an external drive. Can’t remember if windows installer requires completely clean disk or if it will respect existing partitions (my data is on same disk as windows but in separate partition.

Sorry, I've lost track. Is your device operational or is it stuck resetting / updating / repairing?

If operational maybe you want to try this.


Restore Default File Type Associations in Windows 10


I would use option 1 to reset all to defaults. I say this as the problem seems prevalent with PDF's but you mention other file types.


What kinds of add on tools are you running, if any. Cleaners, privacy, telemetry blockers, optimizers or browser extensions that maybe be getting involved? Strange that things would work and then stop. It is as though something is forcing a change.

That is good news but it sounds like you are prepared, think you said your data backups are only days old.

Did you try resetting all file associations?

How about tools?

The reset isn't open with, it is a data reset in windows registry to return everything thing to windows defaults.

Still no answer on tools ??

Yes tools. Apps or programs that clean your machine, optimize registry, boost performance, download drivers, block telemetry.


CCleaner, O&O shutup, Tweaker, iobit to name just a small sample.

Should this happen again I would fix and I would stop running CCleaner as a test.