Lost files on Acrobat 'combine files' function

Report · Sep 11, 2024

My source files were deleted after using the 'combine files' function, however, I never saved the file once they were combined. Basically, I wanted to combine these two files so I started doing so and added the two files, I then changed my mind and decided I was no longer going to make a PDF so I closed the tab and made sure to select 'do not save file' upon exiting. I know that this Acrobat has a 'delete source files' setting but I assumed that because the file wasn't actually created, or at least saved as a combined file, I wouldn't lose the source files, but now I cannot find them! So I don't have the files at all anymore, neither separate nor combined 😞 Is it possible for me to access them somewhere?

Report · Sep 12, 2024

Hi @Kayla Wilck Apologies to hear this. I'm sorry if I can help here. By default the setting for auto delete in Combine is off. I'm assuming for your case the setting was enabled. And while you closed the Combined file, it must have asked you to save. In case the combined pdf file is not saved while closing and auto delete setting was checked, then do you think some additonal warning would have helped here?

Regards,

Subrato

Report · Sep 17, 2024

Hi @SubratoNamata , thanks for the response.

Yes, the setting must have been enabled, but surely that setting shouldn't apply to a file that was never saved?

As in, if the "Always delete source files after combining" setting was on, my files shouldn't be deleted because they were never combined. As I said in my original post, I specifically chose not to save the document. While an additional warning might have helped I don't think that is the solution. I think the source files should not be deleted until after they are combined and saved as one document - I could be missing something completely but surely that is a logical expectation? On top of this, Adobe should definitely have some kind of file recovery system for things like this, I think it would prevent quite a few headaches. Please (kindly) correct me if I have missed something.

thanks

Report · Nov 12, 2024

Hi SubratoNamata,

There is more information on this bug here: https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-discussions/acrobat-pro-dc-deleted-source-files/m-p/14977976#...

It is actually a bug, and not a matter that requires 'some additonal warning', as it should not delete the source files if the combined PDF is not created. If you do not save the combined PDF, then it is not created.

Does Adobe have a process for reporting bugs?

Report · Nov 30, 2024

I have experienced the exact same problem! My over 30 exhibits are gone, and i cannot recover them! I accidentally combined them into a file but then decided not to save the combined file. I had no idea the original files will be deleted from its original location. Is there a way to recover the files? I checked the Trash folder on Mac, and they are not there.

Report · Dec 01, 2024

Dear natalya_6696, I am sorry for your loss.

The downside: I experienced a similar issue on Windows platform, and could not find a way to retrieve the lost data. It did not (& still does not) make any sense that Adobe would leave a bug like this in their software for years - and also that they need to have such an efficient deletion method for the source files. Why not just move the source files to the recycling bin/trash can??

The upside: You only get caught by this once. The auto delete option is just too risky to use (in theory it is a good idea, but in practice it is not worth the risk of source files being permentantly deleted when a combined file is not produced).

I have found other bugs that have existed for years in Adobe Acrobat, that been mentioned in the Adobe Community, and yet still remain years later.

Adobe do you care?