Fillable Form with Macros not loading properly in Reader on a specific computer

Question

We have a Fillable Form with Macros created by a 3rd party that is not loading properly on a specific device in Adobe Reader. That would not be a huge issue, but unfortunately that device in question is our VMs that most of the staff use.

On my laptop, with the same version of Adobe Reader the form loads without issue. It also loads in the VM if using Adobe Pro, but not everyone has a license.

Here is the testing that has been done.

1. Delete Adobe Reader including temp files and reg keys and reinstall - Issue persists

2. Check the Preferences settings between devices, they are set the same.

3. Unselect all Enhanced Security options to ensure elements are not getting blocked.

4. Can open other form fillable PDFs without buttons or Macros attached.

Attached are screenshots, I feel like there must be a setting that is blocking the content from loading, and it may even be an OS setting, but I am not sure what function the elements would even be referencing.

AnandSri · Accepted Answer

Hello Scott!

I hope you are doing well. If the form is not working on a specific machine, then there isn't much that can be done from our side. However, you may try the following suggestions, and see if that works for you:

Ensure you have the latest version of Acrobat Reader 25.001.2043x Optional update, Mar 19, 2025, installed.

Enable JavaScript in Adobe Acrobat Reader: Macros in PDFs often rely on JavaScript. Verify that JavaScript is enabled:

Open Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Go to Menu > Preferences (or Adobe Reader > Preferences on macOS).
Select JavaScript from the left pane.
Ensure that Enable Acrobat JavaScript is checked.
Click OK to apply the changes.

Temporarily disable any third-party plugins or security software that might interfere with Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.

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