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PDF viewers won't install in VISTA

Discussion in 'Windows Vista' started by Frustrated_One, Nov 5, 2016.

  1. Frustrated_One

    Frustrated_One Registered Members

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    Operating System:
    Windows 8
    I am using an old ACER laptop that uses Windows VISTA.
    I uninstalled the Adobe Reader that came with installation because it was a very old version and a security risk.
    The official Adobe reader site has not got VISTA on it's drop down menu for the various versions.
    This seems very strange to me.

    I tried their Windows 7 version of adobe and the Windows XP SP3 and neither of these will install.

    I have also tried installing most of the alternative free PDF readers and most of them won't install, including Nitroreader, Foxitreader, PDFlite, PDF X-change viewer etc.

    When I say "won't install" - I double click on the downloaded file and nothing happens.
    Right clicking and running as Administrator also does nothing.

    I have only gotten a few low quality PDF viewers to install.

    Is this a universal problem with VISTA, or am I alone in this predicament?
     
  2. Drew

    Drew Registered Members

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    Operating System:
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    This is supposed to work w/ Vista, as well as others & I know you say you have tried a few. I have never been aware of any universal issue w/ this related to Vista. When, I ran Vista many years ago, certainly, was reading PDFs when needed.

    http://download.cnet.com/Free-PDF-Reader/3000-18497_4-75984391.html

    There is, indeed, less & less written for Vista @ this late stage, in general... but, that doesn't explain your scenario. One does need to make sure whatever it does support Vista, including PDF Readers.

    Ummm, do you get anything similar (messages/behavior) if & when you try to install other things or just the PDF Readers?

    -----------------------------------------


    As an aside & meant in the nicest way... you might consider grabbing a more current machine to replace the Vista unit.
     
  3. DSTM (Dougie)

    DSTM (Dougie) Registered Members

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    Hi Frustrated One and welcome to Computer Help Forums.
    We never advise anyone to download from cnet as suggested in the previous post, unless you want a computer full of bugs.
    "Major Geeks" is quite safe to download software.
     
    Bill likes this.
  4. Frustrated_One

    Frustrated_One Registered Members

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    Operating System:
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    Thanks for your help guys.
    Yes, I have been burned by malware from sites like CNET, so wouldn't touch it.
    I found that program at this site, http://www.pdfzilla.com/free-pdf-reader.html
    which I think is less likely to have malware.
    And yes, it's the only decent PDF reader I have found to work on VISTA.

    I haven't had trouble installing other (non PDF) programs.
    The only thing I can think of is that I disabled quite a few windows services according to Black Viper recommendations.

    I am just astounded that a big company like Adobe has abandoned VISTA users already.
     
    DSTM (Dougie) likes this.
  5. DSTM (Dougie)

    DSTM (Dougie) Registered Members

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    Just a habit I have got, downloading programs.
    I create a restore point first, and scan with Malwarebytes "Free" before I attempt to install any new programs.
    When installing, I am careful and watch they don't try and include any "PUPS."
    Good habit to get into, Frustrated One.:)
    A couple of extra minutes can save you grief.

    CHF has a recommended software list considered safe to use.

    http://computerhelpforums.com/threads/chf-recommended-software.48136/#post-194918
     
    Bill likes this.
  6. starbuck

    starbuck Rest In Peace Pete Administrator

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    https://forums.adobe.com/message/4780542#4780542

     
  7. GimboV

    GimboV Registered Members

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    Program support for Vista is just about dead. The only current version browser that still works is Firefox. You will find that many programs will not install even though they state Vista support. Like Starbuck said you will be forced to hunt down old versions.
     
  8. Rustys

    Rustys Registered Members

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    Download Firefox it has a built in PDF reader that will allow you to read PDF files in the browser. Yes even ones that have been downloaded to your system.
     

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