What to do when your PDF file is corrupted (repair methods). One of the most popular formats of document sharing is the PDF files. They are applie to business contracts and reports, assignments by students and personal records by individuals. However, what occurs when you attempt to open a PDF file only to be take that an error has occurred such as in the case of a damage file, and this file cannot be repaired, or a message indicating that the PDF file cannot be opened?
Tips for keeping your PDF files organized online
How to convert web pages to PDF quickly
When a PDF file has been corrupte it can be irritating and of course when some vital information was containe in the corrupted file. Luckily, some good ways exist to fix the broken PDF files and salvage your information.
This detailed guide will also explain the reasons why PDF files become corrupted, the way to recognize the issue and the stepwise solutions to repair damaged PDF files.
Why PDF files are corrupted?
It is always good to know the general causes before repairing a corrupted PDF file.
1. Incomplete Download
In case of the incomplete downloading of a PDF file, which occurred because of a weak internet connection, it can be corrupte.
2. Sudden Power Failure
When saving PDF file, your system may break the file structure in case it is turne off.
3. Virus or Malware Infection
Hackers have the ability to corrupt files on your computer.
4. Storage Device Errors
The PDF files can be ruine by bad sectors on a hard drive or USB drive.
5. Software Issues
The file corruption can be in case of using old PDF readers or incompatible software.
Indications of a Corrupted PDF File.
The following symptoms may be experience:
- PDF does not open at all
- On opening gives an error message.
- Blank pages inside the file
- Missing text or images
- Folder is partially opened but the content is distorte.
- All these problems can make your PDF file corrupt in case you face any of them.
Technique 1: Download PDF File again.
In case the PDF was downloaded online or sent through an e-mail, the simplest thing to do is to download it once again.
Steps:
- Delete the corrupted file.
- Re-download it in original source.
- Make sure that there is a stable internet connection.
Most of the times, downloads which are not completed are the primary cause of corruption.
Method 2: Another Reader Open PDF.
At other times it is not the file itself but the PDF reader software.
Try Opening With:
- A different PDF reader
- A web browser
- A mobile PDF app
Minor compatibility problems can be overcome sometimes by switching software.
Method 3: PDF Software Built-in Repair Feature.
There is professional PDF software that has an inbuilt repair utilities.
Steps:
- Open the PDF repair feature.
- Upload the corrupted file.
- Run the repair process.
- Save the recovered file.
The technique is effective with a small-scale structural corruption.
Method 4: How to repair PDFs online.
Online software is available that is capable of fixing broken PDF files.
How It Works:
- Upload the corrupted PDF.
- The file is scanned and fixed.
- Download the fixed version.
Advantages:
- No installation required
- Easy and fast
Caution:
Do not save sensitive or confidential documents to websites that are not known to you.
Method 5: Recovery of a Past Version of a File.
In case the PDF was stored on cloud storage, then you might manage to restore a previous version.
Steps:
- Go to your cloud storage.
- Right-click the file.
- Select “Version History.”
- Restore a previous version.
- It forms one of the safest repair procedures.
Method 6: Use Backup Copies
The backup copies of the PDF file should never be forgotten.
Backup Sources:
- External hard drive
- USB drive
- Cloud backup
- Email attachments
Data loss is avoide through the use of backups.
Method 7: Transform PDF to a Different Format.
The contents may be retrieved by sometimes converting the corrupted PDF to another format.
Steps:
- load the file into a PDF converter.
- Turn it into word or text form.
- Check whether some content is recover.
- This technique can save the text although it does not restore formatting.
Method 8: Recovery Data with File Recovery Software.
In case the PDF file is corrupte because of storage errors, then file recovery software can be use.
When to Use:
- USB corruption
- Hard drive damage
- Deleted PDF files
The approach is applicable in serious cases of corruption.
Procedure 9: Refurbish the Storage Device.
In case of corruption due to errors in storage device, it is possible to correct the device.
Steps:
- Run disk error check.
- Scan for bad sectors.
- Repair drive errors.
The situation can be solve by repairing the device to get the PDF.
Avoiding PDF File Corruption.
It is always best to prevent than cure.
1. Have a Stable Internet Connection.
Do not interrupt downloading.
2. Use Reliable PDF Software
Keep software updated.
3. Install Virus guard.
Prevent malware damage.
4. Backup Files Regularly
Always have more than one copy.
5. Avoid Force Shutdown
Always ensure that you close your documents before switching off your device.
What to Do If Nothing Works
If all repair methods fail:
Request new copy with the sender.
Inquire about email archives of previous versions.
Get expert data recovery services.
Re-create the paper where possible.
In severe situations, it might be impossible to completely recover.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Disregard of Early Warning Signs.
When you see file errors do something.
Repairing with Untrusted Repair Tools.
Certain tools could be malware.
Not Keeping Backups
Important documents must have backup.
Recreating the Corrupted File.
One should never save on top of the damaged file before attempting repair techniques.
How to Know Your PDF is Repaired Completely.
After repair:
Open the entire document.
Scroll through all pages.
Check images and formatting.
Test search function.
Notice Before deleting backups, ensure that everything is in order.
Final Thoughts
Corrupted PDF file can be a stressing experience, particularly when there is valuable business, academic or personal data inside it. Nevertheless, the majority of PDF corruption problems may be resolved with the help of simple fixing techniques that include either re-downloading the file, relying on other software, restoring the backups, or applying online repair tools.
Prevention is the most significant plan. Backups, secure storage area, dependable software, and good handling of files could reduce drastically the probability of corruption.
Using the repair procedures and preventive strategies described in this guide, you are able to safeguard your precious documents, as well as, manage the corrupted PDF documents with a lot of confidence and effectiveness.