Warning: The retired, out-of-support Internet Explorer 11 desktop application has been permanently disabled through a Microsoft Edge update on certain versions of Windows 10. For more information, see Internet Explorer 11 desktop app retirement FAQ.
This article describes a problem that occurs when you try to download PDF files in Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1), or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1. A cumulative update is available to fix this problem.
Symptoms
When you try to open a PDF file from the download notification bar in Internet Explorer 11, you receive one of the following error messages:
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File might have been moved or deleted, retry/cancel/view downloads.
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There was an error opening this document. This file cannot be found.
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<File name> couldn't be downloaded. Retry/Cancel/View Downloads.
Resolution
Cumulative security update
To fix this issue, install the most recent cumulative security update for Internet Explorer. To do this, go to Microsoft Update. Additionally, see the technical information about the most recent cumulative security update for Internet Explorer.
Note This update was first included in the MS15-124: Security update for Internet Explorer: December 8, 2015 (3104002).
Registry information
Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall the operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.
After you apply the security cumulative update (KB3104002), you must change the registry in order to activate the functionality. To do this, follow these steps.
For x86-based systems
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Click Start, type regedit in the Start Search box, and then click OK.
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Locate the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl
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Right-click FeatureControl, point to New, and then click Key.
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Enter FEATURE_ALLOW_DOWNLOAD_TO_DESTINATION_PATH, and then press Enter to name the new subkey.
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Right-click FEATURE_ALLOW_DOWNLOAD_TO_DESTINATION_PATH, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
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Type iexplore.exe, and then press Enter to name the new entry.
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Right-click iexplore.exe, and then click Modify.
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In the Value data box, enter 0, and then click OK.
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Exit Registry Editor, and then restart the browser to enable the new key.
For x64-based systems
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Click Start, type regedit in the Start Search box, and then click OK.
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Locate the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl
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Right-click FeatureControl, point to New, and then click Key.
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Enter FEATURE_ALLOW_DOWNLOAD_TO_DESTINATION_PATH, and then press Enter to name the new subkey.
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Right-click FEATURE_ALLOW_DOWNLOAD_TO_DESTINATION_PATH, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
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Type iexplore.exe, and then press Enter to name the new entry.
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Right-click iexplore.exe, and then click Modify.
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In the Value data box, enter 0, and then click OK.
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Expand the following subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl
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Right-click FeatureControl, point to New, and then click Key.
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Enter FEATURE_ALLOW_DOWNLOAD_TO_DESTINATION_PATH, and then press Enter to name the new subkey.
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Right-click FEATURE_ALLOW_DOWNLOAD_TO_DESTINATION_PATH, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
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Type iexplore.exe, and then press Enter to name the new entry.
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Right-click iexplore.exe, and then click Modify.
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In the Value data box, enter 0, and then click OK.
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Exit Registry Editor, and then restart the browser to enable the new key.
Restart requirement
You may have to restart the computer after you apply this cumulative update.
Update replacement information
This cumulative update doesn't replace a previously released cumulative update.
Status
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.
References
Learn about the terminology that Microsoft uses to describe software updates.
