How to prevent a .pdf with filled fields from being saved by end users

[ccooney]

For many years I have created interactive/fillable forms using LiveCycle Designer. Due to a recent computer upgrade beyond my control I no longer have access to this software. I have attempted to create a series of simple fillable forms using Acrobat DC which has limited capability by comparison. In the past, by default, these forms could be opened,  filled and printed in Reader but not saved with the entered information unless they were created with Reader extended rights.  Reader DC no longer seems to restrict saving and after many hours of searching I can't find a way to prevent end users from saving the entered information on personal devices which is required by law in this case. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Bernd Alheit]

You can't prevent the save of filled forms

[ccooney]

Thank you

[try67]

As mentioned, you can't prevent saving of the file. However, you can add a command that will reset the values of the form fields before the file is saved. There are ways around that, though. Also, I think it's a bad idea, but you might have your own reasons for it I'm not aware of.

[ccooney]

What an unfortunate change they have made. The Adobe help files still indicate that NOT saving filled form data is a default. While you may not think it is good idea, it is a method we have employed for many years to protect personal health information as required by federal law. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.

[Bernd Alheit]

Was this the help files of Livecycle Designer?

[ccooney]

No, I no longer have access to LiveCycle Designer. It was in the help files for Acrobat/Reader.

[ls_rbls]

I'm sorry, I disagree with your statement.

You also can't prevent the human factor from not being stupid and  really caring about federal law.

Let's say, If at the end of the day you've save those files in a computer with Internet access, there's no point in what you're asking to begin with.

If your staff is not properly trained in HIPPA laws, classification markings , how to securely handle mail, scanning, photocopying, emailing, talking on the phone, email encryption, or using computers at all, etc... THEN there's no point in what you're saying.

Let me put this way, how many times are you able to spot the custodial and janitorial staff coming to an office where a computer is left unattended?

How many times in a day can you spot your own staff not shredding hard copies of documents?

EXACTLY.

There's a lot more involved, to include ISO 9000 series of standards, and ALSO email encryption standards.

If you work for the federal government you should know how the average computer users really roll about this.

And no disrespect, but when you said "it's required by federal law"  sounded more to me like the punchline of a standup comedy joke, where the comedian on stage is the flirty receptionist at the main desk  using WaZapp in their stupid mobile device while interacting dail with UPS  or FedEX personnel daily, for example.

In my side of the records information management systems side of the house, I don't know of anyone who really protects information seriously.

None of the Adobe things you're stressing out make sense about federal law,  and remain meaningless.

UNLESS you crack the whip and choke your  staff with some sort of disciplline and documents' handling awareness... is all meaningless.

[try67]

For 99% of users this is a welcome change, although I can understand why it might not be in yours.

If you really don't want to allow users to save the file you can place it on a network folder that has read-only permission for them.