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Some Hyperlinks to PDFs will not work in Word

There seems to be a problem with MS Word (and other Office apps) opening certain Hyperlinks to PDF documents stored online.

For testing please paste the below hyperlinks into MS Word and try to open the links.
NOTE:  pasting the below links in any web browser will open the PDFs just fine, even Outlook will open them, just not Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, etc...

Below are some examples of files from www.state.gov, and the results noted in (parenthesis):


Below are some examples of PDF hyperlinks from other websites:

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4.pdf (word will open)

http://www.pepfar.gov/documents/organization/133437.pdf (word will not open)


Non PDF hyperlinks to www.state.gov work (so it is not the website):

http://www.state.gov/images/2010/usa-gov-logo.gif (word will open)

http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/6839.doc (word will open)


The error is always the same - "Unable to open .  Cannot open the specified file."

The interesting thing is if I change the link in word from http to https the pdf will open.

from:

http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/87206.pdf (Word will not open)


To: (change http: to https:)

https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/87206.pdf (Word will open, but certificate error)


NOTE: It is also useful to note that all other Office 2010 applications behave like Word (will not open SOME hyperlinks to PDF files) EXCEPT for Outlook.  Outlook will actually open a hyperlink to ANY online PDF.

I have tested this in Word 2003, 2007 & 2010 (all same results)

Can anyone shed some light on this CRAZY behavior?  Why will Word (and other office apps) balk at some hyperlinked PDF but not others?????

Answer
Answer

Hello

I was able to repro your problem. I also found a MS KB article that has resolved the issue. See this link:

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=218153

There is a "Fix-it" in the workaround section that should correct the problem for you. Below that is the regisrty info, if you wish to do it manually.

Please reply and confirm if this worked for you.

Thanks...

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Last updated September 18, 2024 Views 27,063 Applies to: