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A
andrewb19204614
Participant
November 7, 2024
Answered

Cannot Save PDF Documents Without Renaming

  • November 7, 2024
  • 2 replies
  • 1369 views

Hi Adobe Community,

 

I’m encountering an issue when working with Adobe Acrobat PDF documents saved on a shared drive (NAS or server). Every time I try to save or edit a document, I get an error message that says: "The file may be read-only or another user may have it open." I am then forced to save the document with a different name or in a different folder.

 

 

This is causing some confusion, as I end up with multiple versions of the same PDF document in one folder, and sometimes I accidentally delete the wrong version. This issue only started recently, and I’m not sure what’s causing it.

 

Has anyone experienced this problem when working with files saved on a shared drive or network server? Is there a configuration or setting that could be causing this? Any advice or troubleshooting steps to resolve it would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance!

Correct answer PDF Automation Station

It sounds like a permissions issue with the network folder.  A workaround you can try:

1)  Drag the file out of the network folder to your desktop.

2)  Open it from there and work on it.

3)  Either "SaveAs" back to the network location and say "yes" to overwrite the existing file, or save it locally and drag it back into the network location, saying yes to overwrite the existing file.

2 replies

R
Ramona33965976sgdq
Participant
November 12, 2024

I've been having this same issues for MONTHS and can't seem to come up with a reason why.  I am using PDF Forms that I've set up and they work beautifully UNTIL you need to update the form.  Then I get the exact same message.   Then have to rename the form and hope you remember to delete the no longer correct version.  I've been searching for answers for MONTHS as well.  As of yet, haven't found anything that was of benefit.   

    PDF Automation Station
    Community Expert
    PDF Automation StationCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 12, 2024

    Try running this script in console and see if it saves or generates and error:

    this.saveAs(this.path);

    A
    andrewb19204614Author
    Participant
    December 5, 2024

    When I enter the script where it says 'console,' I get the same error message. I entered the script, but when I press 'Enter,' nothing happens.

    If I try to enter the script where it says 'script,' I'm unable to type or paste anything into that box (circled in red below).

    PDF Automation Station
    Community Expert
    PDF Automation StationCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    November 7, 2024

    It sounds like a permissions issue with the network folder.  A workaround you can try:

    1)  Drag the file out of the network folder to your desktop.

    2)  Open it from there and work on it.

    3)  Either "SaveAs" back to the network location and say "yes" to overwrite the existing file, or save it locally and drag it back into the network location, saying yes to overwrite the existing file.

    A
    andrewb19204614Author
    Participant
    November 12, 2024

    I've tried the suggested workaround of copying the file to the desktop, working on it locally, and then saving it back to the network folder. While this method does allow the document to be saved without errors, it unfortunately creates a high risk of file versioning and naming issues, as multiple versions of the same document can end up in the network folder.

    This user is a default domain user with the same GPO applied as others, so permissions don’t appear to be the issue. I’m considering the possibility that another user or machine may have the document open, which could be locking the file and causing this error. Has anyone experienced file locks or conflicts due to multiple users accessing the same document, or is there another configuration that might be the root cause?

    Any additional insights or troubleshooting suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

    PDF Automation Station
    Community Expert
    PDF Automation StationCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 12, 2024

    Another user having the document open would definitely cause that error message. "as multiple versions of the same document can end up in the network folder" - with the exact same name?

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