Combine files stuck on checking for security settings?

[Passionate_Wonder157F]

Adobe Acrobat X Pro 10.1.1 on Mac OS X 10.6.8

I've been trying to combine 2 pdf files (scanned to pdf using Preview on Mac) in Adobe Acrobat. However, it keeps getting stuck on checking for security settings for a long time (see screenshot below).

I checked the security settings on each pdf file and they both are showing no security.

I opened the original file using Preview, open the Print window and saved it to PDF under different name and still I can't combine the files. Is there any other way to get this done? I've been searching on Google and this forum for hours and found no solution to my problem.

Thanks.

[Test Screen Name]

Seems like a completely different problem: it isn't hanging and it isn't on a Mac. But this may be easier to solve. What is the application that created the document, as mentioned in the message? Is it Word? Excel?

[mike_conventus]

This is on Windows 7 and I am trying to convert Word 2013 in the "Combine Files" tool.  It will convert/merge Xcel 2013 files and PDF files.  I only get the warning with the Word 2013 files.  Thanks!

[Test Screen Name]

Ok. Let's start in Word. Does the Acrobat ribbon show up in Word?

If it shows up, does it work to make a PDF?

[mike_conventus]

Yes the ribbon is there and yes it does make a PDF. 

[Test Screen Name]

Ok, that's a good start. Now, starting this time in Acrobat, are you able to create a PDF from a single Word document?

[mike_conventus]

That does not work.  I get the same security warning message.  It does work with Xcel though.  I compared all similar "Trust Center" settings between Word and Xcel and made them the same.  That did not fix anything either. 

[4Sahlibah]

Unfortunately, this didn't work for me either. A better way is to open a PDF, open the "Pages" view and simply drag and drop the PDFs into that pane.

[mjp-f]

Thanks Benito,

Your workaround works like a charm!

[buddy80000]

Hi,

I tried what you suggested for combining files and it worked!

Thanks a bunch.

Sincerely,

Don James

Henderson, Texas USA

[Kathy_Davis]

Thank You!!

You actually addressed the issue. OK, I may be an idiot, but I actually can't get the  "well, if doesn't work, then use Preview" to work for me; your reply did.

Many thanks.

[veddex-jrRVSd]

Thx Benito..

works for me

[jeansjacketrequired]

I have the answer!  I have found that Adobe Acrobat X is buggy.

1.) I cannot click on a pdf file in the finder to open in Acrobat X  - I must open the file from within the program.

2.) I cannot combine 2 or more pdf files in Adobe Acrobat X  as the files keep getting stuck on checking for security settings forever.

The FIX is to move back down to Acrobat 8. Adobe is giving the old versions away for free. Here is one place to downlod the old version: Adobe Acrobat Pro 8 Download - TechSpot

[Test Screen Name]

It is absolutely not the case that Acrobat 8 is free. Many sites, by misunderstanding or not, claim it, but it is not the case. A valid license is needed.

[jeansjacketrequired]

It is quite true that you can now download Adobe Acrobat Pro 8 for free on many reputable sites. A valid license key is provided. I find this is the best/only way to be able to combine 2 or more pdf files into one document without the program freezing on 'checking for security settings'. Adobe Acrobat Pro X is too buggy for me. I am happy to step back to 8.

I would like to continue to use Adobe Acrobat X but I cannot deal with this version's inability to complete certain simple tasks that it did so well in earlier versions.

[Test Screen Name]

These sites are mistaken to state that it is free, I believe. The same wrong statement is made about Acrobat 7.

[jeansjacketrequired]

Seriously,

I have the answer!  I have found that Adobe Acrobat X is buggy.

1.) I cannot click on a pdf file in the finder to open in Acrobat X  - I must open the file from within the program.

2.) I cannot combine 2 or more pdf files in Adobe Acrobat X  as the files keep getting stuck on checking for security settings forever.

The FIX is to move back down to Acrobat 8.

Adobe 8 IS available as a FREE download here:

http://www.techspot.com/downloads/4683-adobe-acrobat-8.html

The license key is noted on the web page for Mac and PC

[Test Screen Name]

This web site is in error. It may be offering a download of Acrobat 8, and the site may not be charging, but Acrobat 8 has never been released as free software by Adobe. This is simply a pirate version, but wherever the misinformation started it has now been repeated by sites you would not expect to push pirate software. Business using the download without a valid license could find themselves in serious trouble.

[briwil78]

Who cares, it works! Thats what you get for having super buggy software.

[Neha06]

Hey there,
I was facing this same issue but found one solution that worked for me. You can try and see if that helps you. 
For the images that you are trying to combine, export them with Photoshop once and then try to combine them (exported ones) in Adobe Acrobat. It worked for me so decided to share, might work for you as well.

[integraONE5FD8]

On a Mac,, Individually select the .JPG files you want (sequentially), right click, Quick Actions, Create PDF...

Definately a PIA.

[kirbyken]

This worked for me! Thank you! actually makes the pdf quicker too.

[antheam1295790]

For anyone else who may run into this issue.  My workaround was to open each document in adobe and instead of inserting the files, I selected combine open files and it worked.