problem with a shared pdf file locking

[Guest]

There is a shared drive at my office.  My department publishes and regularly updates a pdf file with numerous links to various resources (forms, annual trainings, important upcoming dates, etc.).  Others at our office regularly open this file to follow the links, then accidently leave the pdf file open after use.  Then, when my department tries to make an update, the file is locked.  It can be a hassle and delay to get our IT folks to close down the open instance of the pdf file every time.

I want to know if there is a way that one person can open it (and leave it open), but I can then go and save over the file such that next time they or anyone else opens it, they will see the updated version. Note that only my department edits this pdf.  Others only read it in acrobat reader, click the links, and proceed to that destination.

Additional detail:  We are currently unable to use a shared document function on our servers, and we are unable to use online shared documents (google docs or Microsoft office online), both for silly but bureaucratic reasons I have no say on.  We also are currently unable to turn this into a website.  I want to see if there is a way for me to make this work given the options I have.

Thanks for any advice!

[Test Screen Name]

This is as designed, and there is no work around for it in Windows networks. 

[Guest]

Thanks.  That is what I was afraid of.

[Test Screen Name]

An idea that might fit your IT rules, which would need some development from IT, and might not even be possible. Best I can come up with.

1. A master directory on  the server, which is where your department saves the file. Ordinary users can't open this.

2. (You already have this) A client directory on the server where people open from.

3. An overnight task on the server which copies the file from the master to the client

4. The hard part: the overnight task force-closes the file if anyone has left it open.

[Guest]

Thanks for the idea! I will look into it.