Documents PDF in Win 7

Question

Hello,

Since a chap put Win 7 back on my Desktop P.C when i click on document's to read turns out to have loads of different strang / funny icons & i click on various ones to read but is confusing, previous document i had saved came into view instantly so able to read, reason i saved how can i stop this silly version showing numerous icons i no idea which to click on, so often unable to find & read, why is this happening when never did before?

Help needed please

Pete

Answer 1

Thank you so much Lem P

Done what you said & now sorted can read PDFs fine

Now will post another question about another problem when this chap supposedly sorted my Win 7 desktop P.C

Great facility for numpties like me!

Thanks once again

PAL

Answer 2

If you are having a problem looking at PDF files (which is what the subject of your question implies), the chap who reinstalled Windows for you probably didn't install a PDF reader OR your PDF files are associated with a different program (I don't know if your "loads of different strange/funny icons" refers to the contents of the files, the icons representing the files, or icons representing programs that you're trying to use to read the files).

Do this:

1.  Right-click on a file that you are certain is a PDF file and select "Open with > choose default program"

2.  If you see Adobe Acrobat Reader in the window, click on it once to highlight it, make sure that there is a check in the box to "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file", and click OK

3.  If you do NOT see Adobe Acrobat Reader in the window, click "Cancel" and then download and install ONE of the following two programs.  Both are free.  Adobe Acrobat Reader is made by the originator of the PDF file format, but many folks who post here often recommend Foxit Reader as a lighter, faster, but just as good, substitute.

Adobe Acrobat Reader:  https://get.adobe.com/reader/  IMPORTANT:  UNcheck the boxes on the download page that offer to install McAfee Security Scan, Intel True Key, or any other add-on.  Be careful during the installation to UNcheck any pre-checked boxes that might install some extraneous software.

Foxit Reader:  https://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf-reader/