How To Fix PDFVIEWER004 - The PDF format is assigned to an unknown application

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PDFVIEWER - PDF Viewer

• Message number: 004

• Message text: The PDF format is assigned to an unknown application

What causes this issue?

On your computer, the document format "PDF" is linked to an unknown
application. PDF integration is based on the appropriate Adobe products
(Acrobat Reader or Adobe Acrobat). The application installed on your
computer is not supported.
However, the R/3 application will now try to launch an appropriate
Adobe application or if all else fails to pass the document to the HTML
Viewer.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Install the (free) Acrobat Reader, Version 4.0 or later.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PDFVIEWER004 - The PDF format is assigned to an unknown application ?

  The SAP error message PDFVIEWER004 indicates that the system is unable to open a PDF file because the PDF format is assigned to an unknown application. This typically occurs when the SAP system is trying to display or download a PDF document, but the associated viewer or application for handling PDF files is not correctly configured or recognized by the system.
  Cause:
  
  Missing PDF Viewer: The PDF viewer application (like Adobe Acrobat Reader) is not installed on the client machine.
  Incorrect Configuration: The SAP GUI or the operating system may not be configured to recognize the installed PDF viewer.
  File Association Issues: The file association for PDF files may not be set correctly in the operating system.
  Browser Settings: If you are using a web-based SAP interface, the browser may not be configured to handle PDF files properly.
  
  Solution:
  
  Install a PDF Viewer: Ensure that a compatible PDF viewer (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader) is installed on the client machine.
  Check File Associations:
  
  On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and ensure that PDF files are associated with the correct PDF viewer.
  You can also right-click a PDF file, select Open with, and choose the correct application, then check the option to always use this app.
  
  
  Configure SAP GUI:
  
  Open the SAP GUI and go to Options.
  Navigate to SAP GUI Options > Accessibility & Scripting > Scripting and ensure that scripting is enabled.
  Check the PDF Viewer settings to ensure it points to the correct application.
  
  
  Browser Configuration (if applicable):
  
  If using a web browser, check the browser settings to ensure it is set to open PDF files with the installed viewer.
  You may need to check for any browser extensions or settings that could be blocking PDF file handling.
  
  
  Update SAP GUI: Ensure that you are using the latest version of the SAP GUI, as updates may include fixes for known issues.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to PDF handling in your version of SAP.
  Operating System Compatibility: Ensure that the PDF viewer is compatible with your operating system version.
  User Permissions: Ensure that the user has the necessary permissions to access and execute the PDF viewer application.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be helpful to consult with your IT department or SAP support for further assistance.