How to Use Adobe Reader 9 With Programs

You can change computer settings to use Adobe Reader 9 with programs.

The longer you have your computer, the more opportunity there is to accumulate a variety of programs and document types. Depending on the manner in which you download programs, you may inadvertently change a default program for a file type. While file types are typically set up to use a specific program when opened, such as Adobe Reader 9 for PDF files, the program may be changed to suit your preferences. You can use Adobe Reader 9 with programs by following a few steps.

Instructions

1. Download Adobe Reader 9. Reader is available for a free download from the Adobe site (see Resources section). In order to use Adobe Reader 9 with programs, you must download the program by following the directions on the site. Using Adobe Reader 9 in the Windows XP operating system is relatively simple. The process for Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems is similar (see Resources section).

2. Launch the "Control Panel" feature. Select the "Settings" option from the Windows "Start" button to launch a list menu of available options. Click once on the "Control Panel" link to open an independent window. Launch the "Folder Options" feature. Select "Folder Options" from the "Tools" drop down menu to open another independent window.

3. Find the PDF (Portable Document Format) file type. Select the "File Types" tab from the "Folder Options" window. Locate the "PDF" extension from the listing of file types under "Registered File Types." When you click on the "PDF" extension listing, the default program will show up in the "Details" section.

4. Make Adobe Reader 9 the default program. Use the "Change" button in the "Details" area to launch the "Open With" dialogue window. Select Adobe Reader 9 from the "Programs" section on the "Open With" window. If you do not see Adobe Reader 9, use the "Browse" feature to select from a complete list of programs that are active on your computer. Make certain to check the "Always use" box below the "Programs" section. To complete the process of using Adobe Reader 9, click once on the "OK" buttons on the "Open With" and "Folder Options" dialogue windows.

References

• Microsoft XP: Change the default program Windows XP Uses to Open a Specific Type of File
• Microsoft Vista: Open Control Panel
• Microsoft Vista: Change Folder Views and Behavior
• Microsoft 7: Working With Control Panel
• Microsoft 7: Change Folde Options

Resources

• Adobe Reader