Issues with saving Edited PDF's in Adobe

[felix_1574]

I work in IT support and I'm assisting a user with an irregular issue with her Adobe Pro.

When she redacts or edits a PDF document and tries to save they get the below error messages despite being the only one who has access to the document. we have tried saving it in other locations. 

It will then only save the PDF if they rename the file, the PDF is not protected and protected mode is switched off. it wont let them save over the original and they have tried with several documents.

i have checked the settings and also reinstalled Adobe and still getting the same error message. 

Thanks 

[AnandSri · Accepted solution]

Hello @felix_1574

Thank you for providing the details and the screenshots. Based on the behavior you’ve described, Acrobat Pro shows “The file may be read-only, or another user may have it open” even when the user is the only one working on the document.

Please check this community discussion, try the suggestions, and let us know if that works for you: https://adobe.ly/3JOOvem

Recommended Workarounds: 

Disable Windows Explorer Preview Pane: 
In File Explorer, go to the View tab and uncheck Preview Pane.
This prevents the file from being “locked” by Explorer before Acrobat opens it.

Change Folder Permissions
Right-click the folder where the PDF is saved → Properties → Security tab → Edit permissions.
Grant Full Control to the user or “Everyone” (if on a secure private system).

Use “Save As” Instead of “Save”
This consistently works as a workaround. It avoids overwriting the original file and bypasses the lock.

Avoid Editing Files Directly from Network Drives
Copy the file to a local drive before editing.
Network latency or DFS pointers can interfere with Acrobat’s save operations.

Ensure you are on the latest version of Acrobat: 25.001.20672, Mac: 25.001.20668, Sept 03, 2025. Check for any pending updates from the Menu > help > check for updates, install the updates, restart the app and the machine, and try again.

Try saving the file with a different name and then renaming it back manually.
Check if the file has any digital signatures or embedded media that might restrict saving.
Use Acrobat’s Preflight tool to scan for file integrity issues.

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.

[felix_1574]

Hello in response to your questions:

1. i will suggest the windows explorer preview pane suggestion 

2. i did think of the folder and file permissions and checked both

3. from what i recall i also tried the 'save as' option and was inconsistent. 

4. Acrobat is up to date. 

5. tried the different name option, user doesnt want to have to do that each time. 

How do i check for digital signatures and embedded media ? 

how do i access Acrobats preflight tool. 

[felix_1574]

Switching off the preview pane may have resolved it, were keeping an eye on it to see if it comes back 🙂

[AnandSri]

Hello @felix_1574

I'm glad to hear that switching off the Preview pane has resolved the problem for you. Please keep track and let us know immediately if you get any error messages.

To answer the last two questions: 

How do I check for digital signatures and embedded media? 

Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat.

Look for the signature panel:

In Acrobat, all tools appear on the left side of the screen.

Click on “Signatures” to open the panel.

Acrobat will automatically validate signatures if preferences are set.

Checking for Embedded Media (Video, Audio, etc.): 
Open the PDF and look for media icons or play buttons.
Use the Content panel or Tags panel:
Go to Menu > View → Show/Hide → Navigation Panes → Tags or Content.
These panels help identify embedded multimedia elements.

Accessing Acrobat’s Preflight Tool
The Preflight tool is used to analyze and fix PDF issues, including checking for embedded media, fonts, color profiles, and compliance with standards.

To access it:

Open Acrobat and go to All Tools. Select Use Print Production > Preflight.

I hope this helps.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.