Cannot edit PDFs created in Word: "You cannot edit this file as a form due to its security settings"

[chrish10902401]

I'm using Word 2019 which is up-to-date and Adobe Acrobat CC which is up-to-date (23.003.20215).

I created a form as a Word document, saved it as a PDF, opened it in Acrobat, clicked "Prepare form", selected to create the form from the open file and I get the error, "You cannot edit this file as a form due to its security settings".

When I go to Menu > Protections > Security properties in Acrobat, it says, "Security Method: No Security".

I have used File > Save As and chosen "PDF (*.pdf)" and I get the error.

I have used the "Save as Adobe PDF" option in Word and I get the error.

I have printed the document to the "Adobe PDF" printer and I get the error.

I have converted it to a JPEG and back to a PDF and I get the error.

I have opened the .docx file in the prepare form wizard and I get the error.

When I look at the .docx properties there is no document protection. I'm the author of the document.

I can't prepare any PDFs I save from Word. WHY?

[Thom Parker]

When you look on the security tab. Are any of the permissions set as "Not Allowed"?

Have you checked the Acrobat trust manager and security settings preferences?  

[chrish10902401]

Hi Thom!

Thank you for the reply.

All of the permissions are set as "Allowed".

I did check the Trust Manager and Security settings in Preferences but everything looked as expected - screenshots attached. Do any of my settings look amiss to you?

Thank you for your help with this!

[chrish10902401]

Hi again!

I had a coworker (using the exact same security/trust settings as mine) open the PDF and try to prepare the form and he was able to, so I uninstalled and reinstalled Acrobat and I'm good to go now. No idea what happened but I'm glad it's working again.

Thank you again for your help!