I have a customer who has logged a call for a PDF file that is behaving strangely. The PDF file allows copying from the file, but when pasting into Word; 2000, 2003, 2007, Word pad or notepad, only boxes and symbols appear. Even paste special won't work. I have tested this by opening the file on Adobe Reader 5, 6 and 7, and still no luck. I've tested this against Windows 2003 server, Windows 2000 server, and my local XP desktop. Still no luck. Here is an example... Text reads "Supplier Management (General 100%, Specific 71%)", but appears as this when pasted into any application:    :1 *;=   #*;< I am sure that this is corrupted. The file used to allow copy and paste, and the security settings allow it. We have all updates on the latest version so we aren't missing any language or fonts packs.. but the text is just a standard font by the looks of it... Infact, I've just noticed that if you highlight the text inside the pdf file, and right click it, the bottom menu option is a Yahoo based web search, which you can use on any text in a pdf... it shows the text on this menu as the boxes and symbols as well... so appears even Adobe reader can't read it correctly from the text. Any suggestions?? I am basically looking for anyone to back up my theory that its simply corrupted. If I'm wrong on this, please point it out and I'll hold up my hands and admint I'm wrong :-) Customer is going to try and get another copy from their original source in the interim. Cheers guys and gals for any help you can offer. PS - if you want anything clarifying, please ask Alex 

Thanks, I'll give it a go :-)

Thank you DerbyDad03.. you the man! OK - for the record incase anyone else has this, I installed PrimoPDF (freeware) and printed this customers file to the PrimoPDF writer. Upon trying to open this file, I was greeted with a lovely message to say that it either wasn't a valid PDF file, or IT WAS CORRUPT. Thanks for your help matey, nice one! Alex

Just a thought... 1 - Download & install a freeware PDF converter such as CutePDF or PrimoPDF. 2 - "Print" the original document to the converter. 3 - Copy/Paste from the newly created PDF and see what happens.