Copied or moved PDF files will not open

When I receive a working pdf file to my Downloads folder, I am unable to move it or rename it. Trying to open the new file leads to a message saying "The file --- could not be opened. It may be damaged or use a format that Preview does not recognize". I can use the Finder menu to make a duplicate (copy) in the Downloads folder and it will open. But the moment I move the duplicate (or original) from the Downloads folder it no longer works.


If I create a new pdf, say from Pages or using Print>Save as PDF and create that pdf in a folder anywhere else (say to Documents) it also is unable to be moved from the folder it was created in (Documents in this example). So the problem occurs anytime a pdf is moved from its original location.


This seems like an Adobe thing but maybe my dislike of Adobe colors my suspicions.

MacBook Pro 15″, OS X 10.11

Posted on Oct 16, 2023 02:50 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 16, 2023 05:00 PM

On further investigation, apparently the drive has issues. I tried to use Disk Utility but First Aid is unable to repair. So I'll be backing up everything on the drive before it totally dies.

Similar questions

1 reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Copied or moved PDF files will not open

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.