Why can't I preview PDFs in Canvas on Chrome on laptop?

[sakomigm1724]

I am having trouble previewing PDFs in Canvas on Google Chrome on my laptop (image attached below).  It just says loading for the past few days.  A few days ago, I was able to preview PDFs in Canvas on Google Chrome on my laptop.  I can preview PDFs on Edge and Firefox on my laptop and can even preview PDFs on Chrome and Firefox on my phone.  Thus, I have isolated that there is no issue with my wi-fi, my computer, or Google Chrome as I can preview PDFs on other websites.  And no, I do not want to have to download each and every PDF file for all my classes and no, I am NOT uninstalling Chrome as suggested on another community page; that's out of the question.  Is there a way to resolve this oddly specific issue? (and let me make myself clear—I am seeking a SOLUTION, NOT a WORKAROUND.)

[jamie_spinney · Accepted solution]

Hello, Garrett. I just resolved the issue on my machine. It was related to a new "extension" in Chrome that was added by Bitdefender. Alternatively, you could also try using Chrome's Incognito window, which also worked for me.

[Bobby2]

HI  @sakomigm1724 , thanks for the detail you have provided. Helps to narrow things down.

Is it possible that Chrome needs an update? I've been stumped with that one before when using Collaborations - during a live webinar presentation! If that's the case here are some tips on how to do that. https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95414?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en 

If that's not the issue let us know and we will put our thinking caps on again. 

Best of luck. 

[sakomigm1724]

Hi Bobby,

I have checked and my Chrome browser on my laptop is up to date with Version 83.0.4103.106 (Official Build) (64-bit).  I have also tried reloading the page with the PDF, clearing the cache, and disabling my extensions but to no avail.  My laptop OS is also up-to-date as well.  Please let me know if there is a solution to this issue.

PS: A lot of work that I do for ELAC classes is recommended through the Chrome browser to work more cohesively, which is why I prefer to use Canvas on Chrome.

Garrett Sakomizu

[lph]

Hi

Have you cleared the Chrome browser cache?

Clear cache & cookies - Computer - Google Account Help 

I agree with Bobby to check for updates. I’ve been caught off guard on that one, too. Especially Windows based machines do wild things when wanting to be updated.

Another is to hold the Ctrl key and press F5 for a page reload (including images, etc). 

[sakomigm1724]

Hi Layne,

I have checked and my Chrome browser on my laptop is up to date with Version 83.0.4103.106 (Official Build) (64-bit).  I have also tried reloading the page with the PDF, clearing the cache, and disabling my extensions but to no avail.  My laptop OS is also up-to-date as well.  Please let me know if there is a solution to this issue.

PS: A lot of work that I do for ELAC classes is recommended through the Chrome browser to work more cohesively, which is why I prefer to use Canvas on Chrome.

Garrett Sakomizu

[Bobby2]

HI  @sakomigm1724  looks like you've done all of the right things so far.

I think it's time to ask Canvas Support for their input now. https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-17624-how-to-contact-canvas-support 

Wish we could have been more help. 

Best of luck with it all, I'm sure a good solution will be in your hands soon.

[lph]

I agree with Bobby. Support might be able to get you going faster. 

You could try a Google Chrome reset (under settings >> advance) but I’m surprised dumping images in the cache didn’t fix things. Sorry not to be helpful. 

Good luck and please update us with how support fixed things. 

[jamie_spinney]

While not helpful in fixing the problem, it may be helpful to know you are not alone. I now have the same issue with previewing both .pdf and .docx files in SpeedGrader, which began within the past few days. I have been using a different browser as a temporary fix.

[jamie_spinney · Accepted solution]

Hello, Garrett. I just resolved the issue on my machine. It was related to a new "extension" in Chrome that was added by Bitdefender. Alternatively, you could also try using Chrome's Incognito window, which also worked for me.

[helya · Accepted solution]

I've spent hours trying to find a solution and none of the existing threads have helped but I FINALLY FOUND IT. 

Some full access extensions on chrome that can read/write data can be culprits, for me this was Grammarly. Try disabling your extensions and adding them back one by one to find the culprit. You don't need to uninstall the extensions, just right click and set them to read and change site data only when you click the icon.

[mkmarsik]

Helya, THANK YOU!! I played around with my extensions, and it finally worked! I can't thank you enough! Why isn't this the top solution yet???