How to Associate All PDF Documents With An Adobe Reader in Windows Vista

Microsoft Windows Vista is an operating system compatible with many different programs that create, edit and view a wide variety of file types. One commonly handled file type is the portable document format (PDF), created by software maker Adobe Systems. While most Adobe products require a license that must be purchased, the company offers a free PDF reading application -- Adobe Reader. Once this program is installed on a Windows Vista computer, it can be associated with all PDF files on the computer and set as the default program for reading those files.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" button on your desktop and choose "Default Programs."

2. Select "Associate a file type or protocol with a program."

3. Scroll to ".pdf" and click it once to highlight it.

4. Click "Change program" at the top of the window.

5. Select "Adobe Reader" under the "Recommended programs" section and click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• Adobe Reader is capable of viewing and reading PDF files but it cannot create them. If you need to create a PDF file, many programs are capable of doing so, including Adobe Acrobat, newer versions of Microsoft Word and free PDF printing programs such as Primo PDF.

References

• Microsoft: Change Which Programs Windows Uses By Default

Resources

• Adobe: Adobe Reader Download
• Microsoft: Microsoft Word - Document and Word Processing Software
• Adobe: Acrobat - Create PDF, Edit PDF
• Primo PDF: PDF Converter