PDF file won't download properly in IE or Net. OK in Opera. Why?

[Callas]

I have a PDF file on my secure http site. If I download it in Opera, I get the dialog box that asks if I want to open or save to disk; however, in either IE or Nets, it immediately launches Acrobat reader and opens the file. This happens when others try it as well. ... What's wrong?

[Ka0ticMiND]

well, this happens to me too, and almost everyone....
correct me if i'm wrong:
when adobe acrobat is installed, i think it installs some plug in to IE or Net. , which makes PDF files automatically call acrobat.
but don't quote me

-Ka0tic

[rh71]

That's exactly it... the plugin that is installed into IE (Netscape should come with a PDF plugin already) prevents the SAVE AS from coming up. Instead, it uses the plugin to open it (for your convenience). If you would like to download the PDF instead, just right-click the PDF file's link and choose SAVE TARGET AS (for IE only... Netscape has a similar right-click function).

[Callas]

While your answers sound logical, I don't have this problem with PDF files posted on other sites. My file is on an http, secure site... can that be the problem? I need to avoid extra, or complicated steps that have to be explained to the customer.

[Callas]

Guess what?... I think you're right. I hardly ever use those "other" browsers anymore and hadn't realized that they are affected that way now. I checked another PDF file and the same thing happened. However, in Opera, I still get a choice.
There is a workaround... when Acrobat Reader gets through loading, just click on the Floppy icon and you can save the file just as though you downloaded it straight.
Thanks for the help. Maybe this will help others as well.

[izzzy12k]

With Acrobat Reader 5, the program will "repair" the plugin if it is not installed or messed up.

Although this feature can be turned off, if you want.

[Callas]

Instead of trying to instruct the customer to manipulate Acorbat Reader, we've decided to just Zip the PDF file to let them download it. ... We'll have a link for Acrobat Reader and one for Aladdin Stuffit Expander.
Thanks for all the help.