Computer Reboots everytime when opening a PDF

[Trek PC Computers]

hey guys im stuck with a very odd issue which i have not ever seen before in my IT career. Thanks in advance for any input.

So a clients computer reboots every time you try opening a PDF File. IF you go to adobe and go File open, and choose the file name it will open BUT if you just double click to open the file it crashes and restarts.

Here is what i have done:

-Tested HDD - Passed
-Tested RAM - Passed
-Used new stick of ram still happens
-Uninstalled Adobe and used CCleaner to remove any registry files
-reboot then install adobe again still no go
-installed Foxit reader still no go, still does it
-even changed the Motherboard with another board I had which was the exactly the same so it boots fine and same issue.

This has driven me crazy to say the least, the only thing i have not done is Reinstall windows and the reason behind that being the customer is even crazier, does not want anything to be changed even though i have explained i may not have any choice.

Anyways hope someone can help me out i would really be thankful!!

 

[Cambridge PC Support]

Any pdf or always the same one?

What is a. pdf file associated with?

 

[Trek PC Computers]

it does it for any pdf

 

[Cambridge PC Support]

it does it for any pdf

And the association?

 

[Trek PC Computers]

different associations as well. simply acounting, word etc

 

[PC-MOT]

Well if you've changed everything except the Hdd, logic would point to that.
If it was me I would try a different scanner?

Sorry if i'm stating the obvious..its not meant disrespectfully

 

[uktech]

Hi, I've never seen this one either - but have heard about it, you could try:

http://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/restart-blue-screen-open-pdf.html

If it is the same issue it's Windows XP and ATI video driver that causes it....if it isn't, then I'll have to do some more thinking...:-(

 

[Cambridge PC Support]

different associations as well. simply acounting, word etc

No, I meant what program is the .pdf file extension associated with?

 

[markcuk11]

I found this http://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/r...-pdf.html[/url edit: woops posted same link

 

[srdrgz11]

I had a similar issue on a clients pc recently. I turned out to be corrupt fonts in windows. I replaced the fonts folder with one from another windows pc. It did the trick.

 

[16k_zx81]

So it sounds like 'restart on system error' is causing the reboot and the machine is actually bluescreening. I would change the setting so you can see the bluescreen, and check the logs

 

[Xander]

Drag a PDF into Notepad. If it opens there (even if gibberish) that gives a big hint that it's not the file itself (or the HD it's resting in).

srdrgz11's and 16k's suggestions have some weight to them, too.

Oh, and why not run SFC?

 

[Trek PC Computers]

hey guys thanks for all the help and advice

XANDER might have gotten something. I did clone the hdd and it still did it.
i also read that ati article when i first ran into this issue but this board does not have any ati drivers BUT i did try sfc and it seems to freeze up.

 

[tankman1989]

Have you checked the logs? There should be some kind of error message in the Event viewer maybe under the applications, system or possibly security (most likely the first or second one). See if there is a common error everytime you open a PDF and see where it is pointing or if it gives an error code.

 

[OfficeTechs]

what happens if you right click, 'open with' and choose the PDF reader?

 

[jdpetrov]

May I suggest going to run command, type in eventvwr to check Windows event logs for any hints to the problem.

 

[ComputerRepairTech]

wait wait, you installed foxit reader and you set foxit reader as the default for pdf extensions and you blue screened (edit: rebooted) when you double clicked the pdf file?