Cant Open PDFs From Outlook Fix

Cant Open PDFs From Outlook Fix

Outlook uses a hidden temp folder (or sometimes two folders) to create these files in when previewing them or opening them using Outlook or one of the previewers installed with it. When multiple attachments with the same filename are opened (i.e. “collate.doc”), Outlook will incrementally number the filenames in the temp folder from 0-99; when it reaches that maximum (99) it cannot create a new temp file and thus won’t let you open or preview the file.

Solution:
Locate the hidden folder(s) using the Registry Editor’s search feature and delete the contents, then restart Outlook and the problem should be resolved.

The Fix:

1. Click “Start” and type into the search box “Regedit” and hit enter.2. Click “Edit” -> “Find…” and type OutlookSecureTempFolder3. When RegEdit has found the entry, it will tell you where your temp files are stored. It will look similar to C:\Documents and Settings\*USERNAME*\Local Settings\Temporary internet Files\OLK*RANDOM NUMBER*

4. Open My Computer and navigate to this location (if you doubleclick the entry in RegEdit, it will open a dialog box which will allow you to copy the path).5. Delete all of the files in this folder.

6. Now return to the Registry Editor and perform the same search again. If it cannot find an entry or shows the same folder, you should be all set. If it finds a different folder (which is commonly similar to C:\Documents and Settings\*USERNAME*\Local Settings\Temporary internet Files\Content.Outlook\*ALPHANUMERIC VALUE*), you must repeat the steps above and delete all of these files as well, otherwise the error will still be present.

7. Restart MS Outlook and the attachment should be able to open without any errors.