From Kerry Bouchard (Texas Christian University):     http://libnt1.is.tcu.edu/www/ereserve/acrobat_problems.htm

Problem: After clicking on a link to a PDF file in my Web browser, I get a blank screen. This happens with most PDF files.

 Software Version(s): Windows 95/98, Internet Explorer version 5.0 or 5.01, and Acrobat Reader version 4.x

Explanation: This happens if the URL to the PDF file is longer than 46 characters. Most URLs are longer than this.

Solution:

1)

Start Acrobat Reader separately from Internet Explorer (there should be either an icon for it on your desktop, or go to Start/Programs, and look for "Adobe Acrobat").

In Version 4 of Acrobat Reader, click File/Preferences/General. Uncheck the box near the bottom right that says "Web Browser Integration". Close Acrobat.*

Now click on a link to one of the PDF files you were trying to open earlier. You should get a dialog box asking what you want to do with the file. Click "Open File From this Location", and uncheck the box labeled "Always ask before opening files of this type". Then cllick OK. Acrobat Reader will open a new window, and should display the document. Acrobat should work from now on -- you won't have to keep repeating these steps.

2) Use Netscape instead of Internet Explorer for accessing PDF files.

Footnote:- I encountered this problem using Windows 98, Acrobat 4.05 and Internet Explorer 5.5 after many months of problem-free operation, and it recurred some months after I had upgraded to Acrobat Reader 5; and again some months after formatting and refurnishing the hard drive. The above 'fix' worked on each occasion. David Sloan. 16/08/2001.

*In Acrobat Reader 5, the fix is the same, but the navigation is different. Preferences is now under the Edit menu, and there is no General section. Instead go to Web Browser Options and uncheck the box 'Display PDF in Browser'.   David Sloan 01/11/2002