This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Avatar for Username

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

Thunderbird 91.2 will not open attachment from draft/write window

  • 3 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 29 views
  • Last reply by jl11

norm16
norm16
more options

I just updated to Thunderbird 91.2.0 (32-bit) for Windows today, but now I can't open PDF attachments while writing new email. After I attached a document, I usually open it to make sure the document is correct. However, I now receive an error message: "...pdf could not be opened, because the associated helper application does not exist. Change the association in your preferences."

I went to Tools, Preferences, General, Files & Attachments, and changed Portable Document Format (PDF) to Use Adobe Acrobat DC (default). I closed and reopened the program and rebooted the PC, but still receive the error.

I can open the PDF attachment when I save and preview the message as a draft, so Thunderbird is able to access Adobe, so the error seems to be limited to the "write" window.

I just updated to Thunderbird 91.2.0 (32-bit) for Windows today, but now I can't open PDF attachments while writing new email. After I attached a document, I usually open it to make sure the document is correct. However, I now receive an error message: ''"...pdf could not be opened, because the associated helper application does not exist. Change the association in your preferences."'' I went to Tools, Preferences, General, Files & Attachments, and changed Portable Document Format (PDF) to Use Adobe Acrobat DC (default). I closed and reopened the program and rebooted the PC, but still receive the error. I can open the PDF attachment when I save and preview the message as a draft, so Thunderbird is able to access Adobe, so the error seems to be limited to the "write" window.
Attached screenshots

All Replies (3)

vakkerrygg.stuart
vakkerrygg.stuart
more options

I also have this problem. Additionally when I send the non viewable attachment, although the Adobe Acrobat DC is opened in the copy in the "sent" folder, it appears empty.

eldene1
eldene1
more options

I have this problem as well. Had this happen in previous updates and had to revert back to older version. A large percentage of the emails I send have attachments so this is a no go for me.

jl11
jl11
more options

This is happening to me as well. Thunderbird 91.7.0 (32-bit).

It only happens to PDF's on outgoing / unsent drafts. Does not happen on incoming email attachments.