Ways To Fix “Format Error: Not A PDF Or Corrupted”

X

• Products
  • Email Migration
  • Email Recovery
  • Cloud Migration
  • Cloud Backup
  • Chat Migration
  • Kernel Suite
  • Outlook Tools
  • PDF Tools
  • Database Recovery
  • Video Tools
  • Data Recovery
  • Office File
  • Free Tools
  Email Migrator

  Migrate emails from PST/ OST/ MSG/ EML to Office 365 user mailboxes.

  OST to PST

  Convert & restore large-sized OST files to PST, Exchange & Office 365.

  EDB to PST

  Convert EDB to PST file & migration to Exchange, Outlook, & Office 365.

  NSF to PST

  Easily converts NSF files to PST format, including emails, contacts, and calendars.

  MBOX to PST

  Convert MBOX file of email clients to PST file & Office 365.

  OLM to PST

  Converts OLM to PST, Exchange Server, Gmail, Office 365, etc. in minutes.

  EML to PST

  Converts Multiple EML/EMLX files into PST & Office 365 cloud accounts.

  MBOX Converter

  Convert MBOX files with attachments and metadata to different output formats.

  EML Converter

  Easily convert EML files of both Windows and Mac devices.

  Explore Email Converter Tools ✕ Exchange Recovery

  Recover Exchange EDB mailboxes and export them to PST, Office 365, and other destinations.

  Exchange Suite

  Complete solution for Exchange Recovery and Migration needs.

  Outlook Express Recovery

  Recover inaccessible & lost DBX mail data with perfect folder hierarchy.

  Outlook Recovery

  Perform complete Outlook data recovery from corrupted, damaged, or orphaned PST files.

  Outlook PST Repair

  Recovers inaccessible data from corrupt and damaged PST files with no data loss.

  NSF Local Security Removal

  Fixes access restriction issues of NSF databases with simple steps.

  Explore Email Recovery Tools ✕ SharePoint Migration

  Easy & Secure SharePoint migration from File Servers, Public Folders & OneDrive.

  Microsoft Teams Migration

  Direct & simple Microsoft Teams Migration between Office 365 tenants.

  Office 365 Migration

  Complete solution to migrate Mailboxes, Users, Office 365 Groups, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams.

  Cloud Tenant Migration

  Easily move data between Office 365 tenants and from Office 365 to Google Workspace.

  Cloud Data Migration

  Kernel Cloud Migration tool for migrating Google Drive data to Box, Dropbox, and Amazon S3.

  IMAP Migration

  Best tool to migrate bulk mailboxes from one IMAP account to another.

  Import PST to Office 365

  Imports PST/OST files to multiple mailboxes & Office 365/Exchange Groups.

  G Suite to Office 365 Migration

  Migrate from G Suite Mailboxes to Microsoft Office 365.

  Office 365 to Google Workspace

  Migrate complete Office 365 data to Google Workspace.

  Explore Cloud Migration Tools ✕ Office 365 Backup & Restore

  Backup Office 365/Exchange mailboxes to PST with total data security.

  Export Office 365 to PST

  Easily exports Office 365 mailboxes to PST, with many options.

  Google Workspace Backup

  Multiple Google Workspace mailbox backup to PST with inbuilt CSV file support.

  IMAP Backup

  Automated bulk IMAP mailbox backup to PST, EML, MSG, PDF, etc.

  Microsoft Team Backup

  Backup Microsoft Teams, channels, tabs, chats, files, post within a few minutes.

  SharePoint Backup

  Backup SharePoint sites, subsites, document library, and other data to local storage.

  Gmail Backup

  Backup your Gmail data to PST & other formats with a full report in the end.

  Exchange Backup & Restore

  Backs up & restores on-premises, online & hosted Exchange mailboxes to PST.

  Cloud Backup

  Robust tool to backup leading SaaS applications data while preserving original folder structure.

  Explore Cloud Backup Tools ✕ Windows Data Recovery

  Restores missing data from corrupt Windows systems & removable drives.

  Video Repair

  Repairs all video files with zero data loss irrespective of the file size & format.

  Photo Repair

  Repairs corrupted & damaged images/photos of all file formats with integrity.

  Photo Recovery

  Quick recovery of permanently deleted photos of JPG, BMP & other formats.

  VHD Recovery

  Complete solution for all types of VHD/VHDX corruption & data loss issues.

  VMDK Recovery

  Recovers all types of VMDK data files, providing easily customizable settings.

  Linux Data Recovery

  Restores Linux OS data from Red Hat, SUSE, Ubuntu, Turbo, Debian & SCO.

  Explore Data Recovery Tools ✕ Outlook PST Repair

  Repairs over-sized & corrupted PST files of any Outlook version.

  Outlook Password Recovery

  Easy Outlook PST password recovery even in case of multilingual passwords.

  Outlook Duplicates Remover

  Removes duplicate items from Outlook PST file by various criteria.

  Merge PST

  Join multiple Outlook PST files with advanced filtering options.

  PST Splitter

  Splits large Outlook PST files by various criteria, retaining mailbox integrity.

  PST Converter

  Unlimited conversion of Outlook emails to MSG, EML, MBOX, PST, HTML, etc.

  PST Compress & Compact

  Compress multiple PST files of any Outlook version with zero data loss.

  Outlook Attachment Extractor

  Extract attachments from Outlook PST and OST files.

  Email Address Extractor

  Extract all email addresses from OST/PST files and Outlook profile.

  Explore Outlook Tools ✕ Excel Merge

  Merge multiple XLS or XLSX Excel sheets into single or individual worksheet.

  XPS Converter

  Convert XPS or OXPS files to PDF, DOC, DOCX, PPT, XLS, JPEG, and other formats.

  Document Converter

  All-in-one document converter tool to convert files to editable formats without data loss.

  Word Repair

  Repair corrupt DOC, DOCX file and recover original text, fonts, etc.

  Excel Repair

  Repair excel spreadsheets including each cell, formulae, forms, cell comments, etc.

  PowerPoint Repair

  Recover complete PPT, PPTX, PPS file with text, images, graphics, audio, etc.

  Access Repair

  Repair highly corrupt MDB and ACCDB database files.

  Publisher Recovery

  Remove all corruption issues and errors associated with the Publisher files.

  Explore Office File Tools ✕ SQL Recovery

  Recover corrupt, damaged, and deleted SQL-based MDF and NDF files.

  SQLite Database Recovery

  Recover the table, triggers, keys, and procedures in SQLite databases.

  SharePoint Recovery

  A wholesome recovery of corrupt SharePoint database MDF files.

  Oracle Database Recovery

  Restore the actual tables, views, clusters, etc. from Oracle databases.

  MySQL Repair

  Remove MySQL database’s corruption and extract precise data.

  DBF Recovery

  Repair corrupt DBF files created from various DBMS applications.

  Access Repair

  Remove all kinds of Access database file's corruption and other issues.

  SQL Backup Recovery

  Recover complete SQL database objects, including tables, indexes, etc. from damaged SQL Server

  Explore Database Recovery Tools ✕ PDF Extractor

  Extract image and text from PDF to various formats.

  PDF Converter

  Convert bulk PDF files into multiple formats.

  PDF Repair

  An instant removal of highly corrupt or damaged PDF files.

  PDF Restriction Remover

  Remove the local restrictions from multiple PDF files.

  Image to PDF

  Convert all kinds of image formats to the PDF format easily.

  PDF Split & Merge

  Split and merge multiple PDF files more accurately and safely.

  PDF to Word

  The simplest conversion from PDF to MS Word document files.

  Word to PDF

  Convert unlimited number of word document files to PDF format.

  XPS to PDF

  Export XPS to PDF without modifying the formatting & page structure.

  EPUB to PDF

  Convert multiple EPUB to PDF format with accuracy.

  Explore PDF Tools ✕ Video Repair

  Repair inaccessible video files of all formats by keeping the video quality intact.

  Video Converter

  Convert video files of any format to the desired format precisely.

  Explore Video Tools ✕ Teams Migration

  Migrate entire Teams Chats, Channels, and Planners between Office 365 tenants.

  Teams 1:1 Chat

  Migrate every Team 1:1 Chat and Group Chat from one tenant to another easily.

  Google Chat to Teams

  Migrate all Google Chat (direct Chats, Group Chats, and Spaces) to Microsoft Teams Chats directly.

  Slack to Teams Migration

  Migrate any Slack direct messages (1:1 Chats) or group Chats to Microsoft Teams Chats.

  Teams Backup

  Backup Microsoft Teams all private Chats (1:1) and group Chats with metadata in HTML files.

  Google Chat Export

  Export Google Chats (direct messages, group chats, and spaces), attachments, etc., in different files and drives.

  Slack Chat Export

  Export Slack Chat, including direct messages and channels, in HTML and PDF file formats.

  Explore Chat Migration Tools ✕ Exchange Suite

  An all-encompassing toolkit to enable efficient Exchange repair, backup, and migration.

  Outlook Suite

  A comprehensive set for managing Outlook files, including repair, compression, and splitting.

  Backup Suite

  A versatile backup system catering to different emailing platforms efficiently.

  Notes Conversion Suite

  A complete set of tool to transform Lotus Notes/IBM Notes to Microsoft platforms.

  Chat Migration Suite

  A set of advanced tools to migrate and export Google Chat, Slack Chats, and Teams Chat.

  Explore Kernel Suites ✕ Document Viewer

  Advanced Document Viewer tool to view small to large files with maintained quality.

  OST Viewer

  Free OST Viewer tool to scan, view, and access corrupt or inaccessible OST files.

  Outlook PST Viewer

  Free PST Viewer software to view and access PST file mailbox content without any limitation.

  Exchange EDB Viewer

  View Exchange data like mailboxes & public folders without Exchange Server.

  OLM Viewer

  Free OLM Viewer software to open and view OLM files on Windows systems.

  MBOX Viewer

  Free software to preview MBOX emails of 20+ email clients, including Thunderbird.

  EML Viewer

  Open and view EML files from Live mail, Outlook Express, Apple Mail, Thunderbird, etc.

  MSG Viewer

  View and read bulk MSG files without the Microsoft Outlook environment.

  XPS Viewer

  Free XPS Viewer to open and read XPS files easily on Windows OS.

  Explore Free Tools ✕ View All Products
• Services
• Store
• Partner
  • Affiliate Program
  • Partner Program
  • Resellers Program
  • Find Partners
  • Partner Resources
• Company
  • About us
  • Awards & Reviews
  • News Center
  • Careers
  • Support
  • Contact Us
• Offers
• Close
• 1-866-348-7872

• File Repair ›
• Ways to Fix “Format Error: not a PDF or corrupted”

Ways to Fix “Format Error: not a PDF or corrupted” Written By Manisha Rawat Updated On January 31, 2025

Read time 8 minutes

Summary: Continuous pop up of “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” error message may annoy as it prevents access of PDF file and distrust users’ productivity. This article focuses to provide complete assistance to fix PDF file errors and issues using manual methods. Alternatively, for a fast and effective solution, try out the reliable Kernel PDF Repair tool. Free Download 100% Secure

“Two days back, I received an email with a PDF file attachment from my manager. When I tried to open PDF file, I got an error message saying: “format error: not a PDF or corrupted“

The above-mentioned query signifies the presence of the corruption issues in the PDF file. As you must be aware, PDF files are one of the most widely used file formats for sharing documents among organizations, colleagues, friends, and many more. Any issue with the PDF file can quickly result in a disrupted workflow, unsaved data, and loss of information that is difficult to retrieve.

This error statement is not a rare situation and may occur anytime in any PDF file. When this error occurs, your screen may go blank or only shows selective items from the entire document. Hence, it becomes an urgent task to fix “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” error and protect the PDF file from any data loss.

Why Does “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” Error Occurs?

Many reasons are responsible for “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” error while accessing PDF files. Some of major causes are outlined below:

• Virus/Malware attack.
• Damaged Adobe Reader.
• Outdated version of Adobe PDF Reader.
• Abrupt application/system shutdown.
• Corruption/damage in the PDF file.
• Damaged or broken PDF file due to incomplete download or transfer.
• An improper system, file, or program handling practices by the user.

Primary Tips to Fix “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” Error

After facing issues in PDF file, primary tips are the simple and quick resolutions for PDF file issues. So, follow the below tips to fix PDF file errors effectively:

• Reboot the System: Rebooting the system removes the bugs and glitches that improve the compatibility between application and system. When the system restarts, access your PDF file.
• Perform Antivirus Scanning: When you get issues in opening PDF files, perform the antivirus scan instantly. If found, delete them and try to reopen PDF files.
• Download the PDF File Again: There is a high chance that issues may arise while working on the PDF file. To fix PDF file error, delete that file permanently from your system and download it again from the original source.
• Try a Different PDF Reader Application: If all the above tips don’t work, you can try out another PDF viewer application, that can help you to fix PDF file errors.

Manual Ways to Fix “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” Error

Possibilities are there that the simple & common tips might not help to fix PDF file errors. In such cases, there might be a bigger issue in your PDF files. So, go through the methods below that may resolve the application issues and help you to fix “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” error.

Way 1. Repair Adobe Acrobat Reader

Any user’s instant reflex to open a PDF file is to use Adobe Reader. When you receive this particular error, it is also a clear indication that there might be some underlying issue with the Adobe Reader itself. Either the program is not functioning to its maximum capacity, or it is completely damaged. In this situation, it is high time to repair Adobe Reader and only attempt to open the file again. To repair the program, follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1. In Windows, click on the Start button, look for the Control Panel, and open it.

Step 2. There, click on the Programs and Features.

Step 3. In the Uninstall or Change a Program section, go to the Adobe Acrobat Reader and make a right click. Now, select Change as the option to move forward.

Step 4. Finally, click on the Repair Program Installation option to fix it.

Once the repair process is done, restart the system and try to open the file again. This may surely fix damaged Adobe Reader and allows you to open PDF files without issues.

Way 2. Reinstall Adobe Acrobat Reader Again

It may also happen that the version of Adobe Reader is outdated. In this case, it is suggested the program be uninstalled and the latest version installed. To do this, follow the below-mentioned steps:

Step 1. Start by opening the Control Panel on your system.

Step 2. Now, click on the Programs and Features option.

Step 3. In the Uninstall or change a program section, look for the Adobe Acrobat Reader, right-click, and select Uninstall.

Step 4. Once the uninstalling process is done, restart the system. After this, install the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download it from the Adobe website.

You have performed all the steps properly now, try to open PDF file again and see if you still encounter the error.

If none of the tips and techniques can fix “Format Error: not a PDF or corrupted” error, then the PDF file might be severely corrupted or damaged. So, performing unreliable methods may be dangerous as it can cause permanent data loss and other related issues with your PDF data.

So, what becomes your best course of action now? A high-end PDF repair solution!!

Choosing a professional PDF repair solution is the ideal resolution to fix damaged PDF files and restore the entire corrupt PDF file data.

Fix “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” Error: The Right Tool?

Now, the question arises of what to choose as your trusted PDF repair tool to fix “Format Error: not a PDF or corrupted” error.

Free Download 100% Secure

Kernel PDF Repair tool is one of the popular tools of this category that has no limitations on the data file size or bulk repair. It fixes the severe corruption issues with ease and restores the entire PDF file data. In just a few simple steps, your corrupt PDF file(s) will be fixed, and you will end up with a healthy and working PDF file.

It can also recover your data from password protected PDF files. This tool maintains the original quality of the PDF file and also recovers it with all its objects. It supports all PDF formats versions, and you can easily use this tool in all Windows OS versions.

Wrapping Up

In this blog, we discussed “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” error faced by users while opening a PDF file. We have also got the reasons for the error message, along with tips and solutions.

But, when the PDF files become severely corrupted, manual solutions may fail and give undesired outcomes. So, do consider the reliable Kernel PDF repair utility as the ultimate and most effective solution to fix corrupted PDF files. Download the trial version of the tool to repair and open the PDF file.

In this blog

• Why Does “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” Error Occurs?
• Primary Tips to Fix “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” Error
• Manual Ways to Fix “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” Error
• Fix “Format Error: Not a PDF or Corrupted” Error: The Right Tool?
• Wrapping Up

Categories

Categories Select Category Backup Recovery Cloud Comparison Computer Tips and Tricks Data Recovery Database Recovery Document Converter Duplicate Remover Email Migration Email Recovery File Repair Free Viewer Merge PST Monitoring Software MS Access Database Repair MS SQL Server Recovery MySQL Recovery OST to PST Password Recovery PDF Tools Repair Outlook Server Migration SharePoint Server Solving Exchange Server Errors Split and Merge Video Converter Video Repair

• 
• 
• 

Related Posts How to Open PDF Documents in Microsoft Edge? Fix “The File is Damaged and Could Not be Repaired” Error How to Fix the “PDF Files Won’t Open in Windows 10” Error?