PDF files are commonly used for sharing as they are compatible with various platforms. However, when they are corrupted or damaged, you might face issues accessing them. As a result, in dealing with this problem, users have questioned whether repairing damaged PDF files on Windows is possible.
This guide provides several ways to fix damaged PDF files manually or using online resources. Whether you are using a smartphone or a Windows device, we will explain how to open a damaged PDF or recover your PDF files.
Why Do PDF Files Get Damaged?
Before diving into recovery methods, it’s helpful to understand the reasons behind PDF corruption:
- Interrupted Download or Transfer: If the download or transfer of a file is done halfway, the file in question can become corrupted.
- Virus or Malware Attack: A virus can destroy sections within a PDF making files unreadable.
- Software Malfunction: PDF can be damaged or corrupted by incompatible or malfunctioning software.
How Do You Open Corrupted PDF Files in Windows?
In the case of trying to open a damaged PDF file on a Windows system, there are different ways of repairing it. Among those existing approaches, some are manual methods or you can use dedicated software.
Methods to Recover a Corrupted PDF in Windows
1. Automated Method: Using Systweak PDF Editor
Systweak PDF Editor is one of the most effective applications for PDF management and repair on the Windows OS. This tool comes with high capabilities to repair corrupt or damaged PDF files. It is one of the best PDF reading and editing software as you can easily create, insert, modify, merge, split, convert, compress, encrypt/decrypt using it.
Benefits of Systweak PDF Editor:
- PDF Repair: Specifically designed to repair damaged PDF files and restore their content.
- Editing Tools: Edit the contents, add comments or notes to it, and enrich the recovered PDF.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy to use especially for those who have minimum experience with PDF files.
- Batch Recovery: Can help to recover as many corrupted PDF files as you need.
- OCR Reader: Read text from scanned images and make them available for editing.
- Compress PDF: Optimize PDF files to share without size limitations.
- Annotate PDF Files: Underline, and highlight the points in PDF files that are of importance.
Steps to Recover a Corrupted PDF Using Systweak PDF Editor:
- Download and Install Systweak PDF Editor:
Go to the official site and download the software and complete installation. Purchase the premium version to avail the Repair PDF module.
- Access the Repair Function:
Click on the Tools menu and then click on the Repair PDF option on the ribbon.
- Browse Corrupt File:
On the next window, click on the Add Files button to add a corrupt PDF file or a Folder with corrupt PDF files. Click on the Repair PDF Now button.
- Save the Repaired File:
Once the process is complete, save the recovered PDF file to your desired location.
2. Restore Previous Versions of the File
If the PDF file was accessible earlier and now you’re not able to open it or it is recently damaged, you might be able to restore an earlier version of the file. You can use the built-in Windows utility to perform this task.
Step 1: Right-click on the PDF file and click on Properties.
Step 2: If you are in the properties menu, go to the previous versions tab.
Step 3: Go to one of the previous versions and click on the Restore button.
Please Note: If you are unable to see any previous version if the file, File History, and System Restore option is disabled on your Windows PC.
3. Repair Damaged PDF FIle Online
The online PDF solutions can also help you repair damaged PDF files however security and confidentiality can be at risk as you need to upload the PDF file on the online portals.
Step 1: Access the online PDF Repair tool on your browser. We chose iLovePDF to complete the process.
Step 2: Browse and select the PDF file that you wish to repair.
Step 3: Click on the Repair PDF button on the bottom right to initiate the repair process.
Step 4: Once the repair process is complete, you will have the option to save the repaired PDF file. Select your preferred location and save the file.
How Do You Open Corrupted PDF Files on Mobile?
The first step is to open the PDF file on the default browser like Google Chrome or the default file app on your smartphone. You can access your PDF files with these inbuilt apps however if the file is not accessible, you can use a third-party app to access and repair a damaged PDF file. Before moving forward with the method of repairing the file, try to download the file again from its original source.
If you’re dealing with a corrupted PDF on your mobile device, you can try recovering and repairing the corrupted PDF file with the ‘PDF Repair Tool – Repair PDF.’
Steps to Open and Repair a Corrupt PDF in ‘PDF Repair Tool – Repair PDF’ on Mobile:
- Download PDF Repair Tool – Repair PDF:
Download ‘PDF Repair Tool – Repair PDF’ from the Google Play Store.
- Open PDF Repair Tool – Repair PDF:
Tap on the ‘Select PDF’ button and navigate to the folder with the damaged PDF file through the App.
- Attempt Repair:
Select the corrupt or damaged PDF file and tap on the ‘Repair PDF’ button.
- Save the PDF:
The repaired PDF file will be listed on the tool. You can save the file to your preferred location or share it on any app.
Please Note: If the repair process did not work in your favor, then you can copy the file to a PC and use any of the above methods to repair your damaged PDF file.
Note: ‘PDF Repair Tool – Repair PDF’ is one of the few mobile apps that offers PDF recovery, making it an ideal choice if you’re dealing with corrupted files on your mobile device.
Conclusion
It is quite practical to restore damaged or corrupted PDF files with the help of proper tools and knowledge. Different options include tips like using other PDF readers, rolling back to a prior version of the program you are using on your Windows, or even using some useful tools, like Systweak PDF Editor that will assist you in recovering your documents. Once you have followed the steps provided in this guide, you are sure to be able to fix damaged PDF files and avoid any future damages.