How to Fix Error Attaching PDF to Thunderbird from Internet Explorer
Question details
The user is unable to send a PDF as an email attachment through Mozilla Thunderbird when the document is opened inside Internet Explorer 11.
- Product
- Internet Explorer 11, Mozilla Thunderbird, Acrobat X
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to send an open PDF directly as an email attachment from within a web browser.
- Observed behavior
- An 'Error sending mail' message appears when using the mail integration feature in the browser, even though attaching standard local files directly inside Thunderbird works normally.
Ensure that Mozilla Thunderbird is properly installed and updated on your computer, and save a local copy of your PDF document to avoid data loss during troubleshooting.
Set Mozilla Thunderbird as the Default Mail Client
Ensure Windows recognizes Thunderbird as the default email application to allow browser plugins to hand off the PDF attachment correctly.
Browser-based PDF viewers rely on the operating system's default MAPI (Messaging Application Programming Interface) settings to trigger new emails. If the default mail client is unassigned or reset after a system update, the integration will fail.
Click the Start menu and select the 'Settings' gear icon, or press 'Windows + I' on your keyboard.
Click on 'Apps' from the main settings menu, then select 'Default apps' from the left-hand sidebar.
Under the 'Email' section, click on the currently listed application (or the '+' icon) and select 'Mozilla Thunderbird' from the list.
Close Internet Explorer 11 entirely and reopen it to ensure the new default mail settings take effect.
Save the PDF Locally and Attach Manually
Bypass browser and legacy software compatibility issues by manually saving the file before attaching it.
Repair the PDF Software Installation
Fix broken registry keys or corrupted installation files that may be causing the 'Error sending mail' message.
Easily Attach and Send PDFs via Email with WPS Office
Avoid legacy browser and software compatibility issues. WPS Office includes a robust, built-in PDF reader that allows you to directly share and email PDF documents with a single click.
- 1. Open Your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you wish to send.
- 2. Access the Share Menu: Click on the 'Menu' button in the top left corner, then navigate to the 'Share' or 'Email' option.
- 3. Send via Email: Select 'Email as Attachment'. WPS PDF will automatically open Thunderbird (or your default mail client) with the PDF safely attached to a new message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Acrobat X show an error in Internet Explorer 11?
Acrobat X and Internet Explorer 11 are considered legacy products. Over time, their integration plugins become outdated and fail to communicate correctly with modern email clients or newer operating system updates.
How do I check my default email client in Windows?
Go to your Windows Settings, select 'Apps', and then click on 'Default apps'. Look for the 'Email' section to see which application is currently set. You can click it to change the default to Thunderbird.
Can I still send the PDF if the browser integration completely fails?
Yes. You can bypass the browser integration entirely by saving the PDF from Internet Explorer directly to your local hard drive. Afterward, open your email client and manually attach the saved PDF file to your message.
Will updating my PDF reader fix the Thunderbird email error?
Updating or repairing your PDF reader can often restore broken MAPI registry keys or missing email integration components that are responsible for the 'Error sending mail' message.
