How to Fix Cannot Open MyFax PDF Files (File Association Error)
Question details
The user is unable to open faxes downloaded as PDF files from MyFax.com and suspects a conflict with Adobe ExportPDF.
- Product
- PDF Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to open downloaded fax documents from a web portal.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF files fail to open, likely due to an incorrect file association or a missing local PDF reader application.
Ensure that the downloaded fax file actually ends in the .pdf extension and that you have a dedicated PDF reading application installed on your computer.
Reset PDF File Associations in Windows
Change your system settings so that PDF files open with the correct application automatically.
Since ExportPDF is a web-based service and doesn't install local software, the issue is usually caused by incorrect file associations on your computer. Resetting this will ensure your computer knows which program to use for PDFs.
Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where you saved the downloaded MyFax PDF file.
Right-click the downloaded MyFax PDF file and select 'Open with', then click 'Choose another app'.
Select your preferred PDF reader (like WPS Office or Adobe Acrobat) from the list of available applications.
Check the box that says 'Always use this app to open .pdf files' and click 'OK'.
Install or Update a PDF Reader
Ensure you have a functioning PDF reader installed, as web-based services alone cannot open local files.
Use WPS Office to Open and Manage All Your PDFs
WPS Office includes a powerful built-in PDF reader and editor that effortlessly handles faxes, scanned documents, and standard PDFs without complex file association errors.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office from the official website.
- 2. Launch the application: Open WPS Office and click on 'Open' from the left sidebar on the home screen.
- 3. Select your file: Navigate to your Downloads folder and select your MyFax PDF file to instantly view it.
- 4. Set as default viewer: Go to WPS Office settings and select 'Set as default PDF viewer' to prevent future file association issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did ExportPDF not install on my computer?
Adobe ExportPDF is an online subscription service rather than a standalone desktop application. It operates through your web browser or within an existing Adobe Reader installation to convert files, meaning there is no separate program installed on your hard drive.
How do I know if my downloaded MyFax document is actually a PDF?
Right-click the downloaded file and select 'Properties' (on Windows) or 'Get Info' (on Mac). Look at the 'Type of file' section to confirm it says '.pdf'. If it doesn't, you may have downloaded the fax in an alternative image format like TIFF.
What should I do if my Mac cannot open the downloaded PDF fax?
On a Mac, right-click (or Control-click) the PDF file, select 'Get Info', expand the 'Open with' section, select 'Preview' or your preferred PDF reader from the dropdown menu, and click the 'Change All' button to reset the file association.
Can I view MyFax documents without a dedicated PDF app?
Yes, most modern web browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari have built-in PDF viewers. You can simply drag and drop the downloaded PDF file directly into an empty browser tab to read the fax immediately.
