Fix Acrobat XI Emailing HTML or ASPX Instead of PDF in Outlook
Question details
When attempting to email a PDF opened inside Internet Explorer using Acrobat XI, the file is attached to the Outlook email as an ASPX or HTML file rather than a standard PDF.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat XI, Internet Explorer, Outlook
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Clicking the email button while viewing a PDF via the Acrobat XI browser plugin in Internet Explorer.
- Observed behavior
- The default mail client (Outlook) opens a new message, but inserts an HTML or ASPX web file instead of the actual PDF document.
Ensure that Microsoft Outlook is correctly set as your operating system's default email client, and verify whether the PDF file itself is fully loaded in the browser before attempting to share it.
Save the PDF Locally and Attach Manually
Bypass the faulty browser integration by downloading the PDF file to your computer first, then attaching it manually in Outlook.
Because the Internet Explorer and Acrobat XI integration struggles to pass the correct file data to Outlook, saving the file locally removes the browser from the equation entirely, ensuring the actual PDF is attached.
While viewing the PDF in Internet Explorer, click the 'Save' icon (floppy disk) on the Acrobat toolbar, or press Ctrl+S, and save the file to your Desktop or Downloads folder.
Launch Microsoft Outlook and click on 'New Email' to start a blank message.
Click 'Attach File' in the Outlook ribbon, browse to the location where you saved the PDF, select it, and click 'Insert'.
Use Acrobat Directly Outside the Browser
Open the PDF in the standalone Adobe Acrobat XI application to use its native email function.
Verify Windows Default App Settings
Ensure Windows is properly directing file-sharing requests to Microsoft Outlook.
Easily Read and Email PDFs with WPS Office
Bypass outdated browser integration issues completely with WPS Office. The built-in WPS PDF reader allows you to seamlessly open, annotate, and attach PDF documents directly to your email client without frustrating ASPX or HTML conversion errors.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free and install it on your device.
- 2. Open the PDF: Launch WPS PDF and open your downloaded PDF document directly in the application.
- 3. Share via Email: Click the 'Menu' button in the top left corner, select 'Share', and click 'Email'.
- 4. Send: WPS will automatically open your default mail client (like Outlook) and securely attach the PDF document ready for sending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF attach as an ASPX or HTML file?
This happens because the integration between Internet Explorer and Acrobat XI fails to pass the actual file data to Outlook. Instead, it passes the webpage wrapper (the URL of the ASPX/HTML page hosting the PDF), which Outlook mistakenly attaches as a file.
Is Internet Explorer still supported for PDF browser integration?
No. Internet Explorer is an obsolete browser, and its integration with older software like Acrobat XI is prone to significant errors. It is highly recommended to use modern, standalone PDF readers instead.
How do I stop PDFs from opening in my browser by default?
You can change your default PDF viewer in Windows. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > 'Choose default apps by file type', locate '.pdf', and change the default program from your web browser to a dedicated PDF application like WPS Office or Adobe Acrobat.
