TechNote

Error "Corrupt cabinet file" when you open a downloaded file

Issue

When you attempt to open a file downloaded from the Adobe website or FTP site, you receive the message "Corrupt cabinet file."

Solutions

Do one or more of the following solutions:

Solution 1: Download the file when there is less activity on the Internet.

For example, download the file early in the morning.

Solution 2: Download the file using a download utility such as the following:

-- Download Accelerator (Windows): www.downloadaccelerator.com

-- GetRight (Windows): www.getright.com

-- iGetter (Mac OS): www.igetter.net

Solution 3: Use the Internet while the file is downloading (for example, visit websites or send e-mail).

Solution 4: Delete the file and download it again using an Internet connection that is known to be stable.

To determine if an Internet connection is stable, contact your Internet service provider. To resolve an unstable Internet connection, see Related Records.

Solution 5: See additional solutions on the Adobe website.

If you are certain that the Internet connection is stable and you still encounter problems with a file from the Adobe website or FTP site, see Downloading Help Documents for additional solutions.

Background information

The message "Corrupt cabinet file" appears if the downloaded file you're trying to open is damaged. Downloaded files are more susceptible to damage when downloaded during peak periods or over an unstable Internet connection. The message also appears if your Internet connection was broken while the file was downloading. Your Internet service provider (ISP) maintains the connection when it detects activity, such as when you visit Web sites or send e-mail. The ISP doesn't detect activity when you are only downloading a file.