Combine multiple file pdf function stops at CHECKING FOR SECURITY SETTINGS (Mac OS Ventura 13.2.1)

Report · Apr 15, 2023

I have a subscription to the full Creative Cloud Suite. On 4/15/2023, Acrobat automatically updated to v. 2023.001.20143 (Mac OS Ventura 13.2.1).

Since the new upload, I can't create a pdf using the "combine multiple files into a single pdf" function.

The app stops at "CHECKING FOR SECURITY SETTINGS" and the spinning rainbow wheel appears on the screen. Have to force quit the application. I've attached a screenshot taken with my phone because Apple's spinning wheel is invisible using the shift+command+3 screenshot shortcut. (Screenshot attached).

Was on the phone with Adobe tech support for several hours, uninstalling, reinstalling. It takes at least one hour to download the 1.1GB file, because of our slow DSL in a remote rural area of California. Slow DSL is why we cannot use any cloud-based storage—workflow slows to a snail's pace.

The Adobe tech provided a workaround which was to create the file on the cloud. A short-term solution, but not practical for creating a 496 pp print book on the cloud with an upload speed of 0.45 Mbps and a download speed of 3.80 Mbps (Screenshot attached).

Adobe and I were on the phone simultaneously with Apple support, but this issue has nothing to do with their settings. It is an Adobe issue. A directory, a buried permission or file?

Thinking there was possibly a conflict, the tech removed my last standalone (and stable) version of Adobe Acrobat. I was able to reinstall and use...thankfully.

Suggestions appreciated and thanks in advance.

Report · Apr 17, 2023

Hi spotte,

Thank you for reaching out, and sorry about the trouble caused.

As the application is not responding, try the steps suggested in the following help document: https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/troubleshoot-system-errors-freezes-mac.html.

You mentioned that reinstallation has already been tried. Please try it again using the following steps:

- Remove the application and run the cleaner tool (https://www.adobe.com/devnet-docs/acrobatetk/tools/Labs/cleaner.html).

- Reboot your Mac and install the application from this page: https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/acrobat-dc-downloads.html.

Check if that works.

Check if this happens with particular PDFs. Try creating a few test Word files and try combining them.

If you receive the same message, let us know.

Thanks,

Meenakshi

Report · Jan 17, 2024

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.

Report · Feb 17, 2024

I also have this problem. I'm simply trying to combine multiple JPEGs into a PDF. It hangs on checking for security settings. It is 100% reproducible. It is Adobe's bug, but my decades of experience with them leads me to know they won't bother to fix it; they'll blame everything and everyone else.

Report · Jan 13, 2025

You're right - it's still happening.

Report · Jan 28, 2025

Hi @default42vi0ad1lac7,

Sorry for the delayed response and troubled experience.

Please ensure your copy of Acrobat is updated, to check for any pending updates, launch Acrobat > Help > Check For Updates.

If your files are located on a network drive, shared drive, or cloud drive, try copying the file locally and check if the issue is reproducible. And if the issue is not reproducible after saving files locally. Try troubleshooting Protected mode or sandboxing: https://adobe.ly/3WCnUoB

If you are still experiencing the issue help us with the following details:

Acrobat version installed: https://adobe.ly/3PQQ7nE
OS name and version.
Screen recording showing the problem.

Thank you for your continued patience and support.

~Tariq