Info for AOL users having difficulty viewing files
Okay, here's the scoop.
Generally speaking, the viewing problem exists because Acrobat compresses the files for smaller storage and quicker downloads. AOL then uses its own compression process and compresses the files again with its download engine. The result is a "doubly compressed" file which AOL itself can't decode and doesn't understand.
Well, after repeated phone calls to AOL technicians I finally made it to the top dog. After explaining (again) that I was trying to track down why AOL users were having such difficulty viewing *.pdf (Acrobat Reader) files, he said quite matter-or-factly, "We know that AOL and Acrobat Reader don't get along. There are compatibility issues but we're not really concerned. We have a very large user base." I continued the conversation with questions about AOL not following the standards set forth by the IEEE International Committee on Internet Standards and that Acrobat Reader was the standard for InterNet documents , and he repeated that they were not concerned with the problem.
With a little more prompting, the Tech told me about a couple of files and a process which "might solve the problem." I've followed his suggestions, fixed them up a bit, and can now succesfully view *.pdf files on the copy of AOL on my computer.
I'm going to walk you through it. You might want to print this page so you can have the directions next to you while you work.
Here goes.....
General Overview of the Process
- Use AOL 6.0 or newer
- Use Acrobat Reader 5.0 or newer
- Install the MIME handler
- Install the ZIP handler
- This will take about 15 minutes plus download time
Detailed Directions
- Print this page.
- If you need to upgrade to AOL 6.0
- Log onto your AOL account.
- Enter the keyword 6.0 Update
- Follow the directions to download AOL 6.0 and allow it to save to your computer.
- After the download finishes, your computer should automatically update your AOL software
- If you need to upgrade to Acrobat Reader 5.0
- Go to Adobe's Free Download Site
- Click on the red Download button
- After the software downloads, use your Windows Explorer to go to the file.
- Double-Click on the file (ar500enu.exe) to install Acrobat Reader 5.0
- To install the ZIP Handler
- Enter the keyword MIME
- Choose Handling MIME and ZIP files
- Choose WINZIP: V8.0 WinZip for Win95/98/ME/2000/NT
- Choose Download Now
- Choose Save
- After the file downloads and you are asked "Would you like to find the file now?" choose Yes
- Double-click on winzip80.exe and follow the directions
- To install the MIME Handler
- Enter the keyword MIME
- Choose Handling MIME and ZIP files
- Choose MIMDECODE:V6.0 SR-1 Email Decode for Win95/98/2000/NT
- Choose Download Now
- Choose Save
- After the file downloads and you are asked "Would you like to find the file now?" choose Yes
- Double-click on mimdcode.exe and follow the directions
- Restart your computer
If you have followed these directions, you now have the latest versions of the software you need to be compatible with the rest of the InterNet installed and appropriately linked on your computer.
Still having difficulties?
Write to us and we'll try to help.