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January 30, 2025
Answered

PDF files disappearing from source folder while saving!

  • January 30, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 888 views

Hi, 

PDF files are disappearing from the source folder while attempting to save the changes made to the file (there is a good chance that this is happening to only the files downloaded from Outlook...not 100% sure). While saving, the application stops responding, crashes, and the file gets deleted from the system. Once deleted, the files cannot be retrieved from Adobe application, recycle bin or the temp folder...they just disappear!!!

This has been happening to a few of my colleagues as well, indicating that this is not a problem with an individual system. Also, this issue has never happened with ay other file types (word, excel, ppt, ot image files).

It would be really appreciated if somebody could recomend a fix for this. 

Thanks in advance!

Correct answer AnandSri

Hello,

 

I hope you're doing well, and we apologize for the delayed response and the trouble.

 

Are you using the Acrobat desktop application or the Acrobat online services? Please try the following steps and let us know how it goes:

Check Controlled Folder Access Settings: Windows 10 includes a security feature called Controlled Folder Access, which can prevent unauthorized applications from modifying files in protected folders. If Adobe Acrobat lacks the necessary permissions, it might be blocked from saving files, leading to their disappearance. To resolve this:

  • Navigate to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection.
  • Click on Allow an app through Controlled folder access.
  • Add Acrobat.exe to the list of allowed applications. Detailed instructions are available here.

Clear Temporary Files: Accumulated temporary files can interfere with Adobe Acrobat's functionality, potentially causing files to disappear after saving. Regularly clearing these files can help:

  • Delete all files in C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Temp and C:\Windows\Temp.
  • Restart your computer after clearing these folders.

Verify File Storage Locations: Sometimes, files are saved to unexpected locations, making them appear as if they've disappeared. To ensure files are saved where intended:

  • When saving a PDF, check the save location path carefully.
  • Use the "Save As" function to specify the desired folder explicitly.
  • After saving, use the system's search function to locate the file by name, confirming its storage location.

Update or Reinstall Adobe Acrobat: Corrupted installations can lead to unexpected behavior, such as files disappearing after saving. Ensuring you have the latest version or reinstalling the application can rectify such issues:

  • Uninstall Adobe Acrobat from your system using the Acrobat Cleaner tool.
  • Download and install the latest version from here.

 

I hope this helps.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.

1 reply

AnandSri
Community Manager
AnandSriCommunity ManagerCorrect answer
Community Manager
February 19, 2025

Hello,

 

I hope you're doing well, and we apologize for the delayed response and the trouble.

 

Are you using the Acrobat desktop application or the Acrobat online services? Please try the following steps and let us know how it goes:

Check Controlled Folder Access Settings: Windows 10 includes a security feature called Controlled Folder Access, which can prevent unauthorized applications from modifying files in protected folders. If Adobe Acrobat lacks the necessary permissions, it might be blocked from saving files, leading to their disappearance. To resolve this:

  • Navigate to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection.
  • Click on Allow an app through Controlled folder access.
  • Add Acrobat.exe to the list of allowed applications. Detailed instructions are available here.

Clear Temporary Files: Accumulated temporary files can interfere with Adobe Acrobat's functionality, potentially causing files to disappear after saving. Regularly clearing these files can help:

  • Delete all files in C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Temp and C:\Windows\Temp.
  • Restart your computer after clearing these folders.

Verify File Storage Locations: Sometimes, files are saved to unexpected locations, making them appear as if they've disappeared. To ensure files are saved where intended:

  • When saving a PDF, check the save location path carefully.
  • Use the "Save As" function to specify the desired folder explicitly.
  • After saving, use the system's search function to locate the file by name, confirming its storage location.

Update or Reinstall Adobe Acrobat: Corrupted installations can lead to unexpected behavior, such as files disappearing after saving. Ensuring you have the latest version or reinstalling the application can rectify such issues:

  • Uninstall Adobe Acrobat from your system using the Acrobat Cleaner tool.
  • Download and install the latest version from here.

 

I hope this helps.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.