Solution to "Bad Parameter"

[nin-ja-neer]

I found a solution for the thread titled, "BAD PARAMETER Error when Deleting Pages in Acrobat".

To fix the "Bad Parameter" issue and maintain bookmarks do the following (I have Adobe Actobat 9 Pro):

1) Open the corrupted file

2) Click File

3) Then Combine

4) Then Merge Files into a Single PDF

5) The corrupted file should show up in the Combined Files screen

6) Add any other PDF file that isn't corrupt, prefferable just one page (move the new file to the bottom)

7) Hit Combine Files

8) Follow any prompts and save the new file.

9) Open the new file and delete the new page(s) and any new bookmarks.

Sorry for posting it here but I couldn't figure out how to reply to the original post.

[nin-ja-neer]

FYI,

Here was the original post.

http://forums.adobe.com/message/1167915#1167915

[Kevin_N_Weinhold]

This procedure is how I was able to fix my PDF too. I was getting the error when trying to replace pages, but the error may occur when replacing, inserting, or deleting pages.

[khank81682021]

save as file to postscript format and then distiller i hope your problem is solved

[default55kbdoamno2i]

worked for me 🙂

[epubsinc01748]

Worked for me also.

[jerbir]

In these instructions ... I opened the corrupted file, when to FILE, and to my dismay, there is no option to COMBINE

[crazeddingo]

Place both documents on your desktop.Highlight both files. Right-Click > Combine files in Acrobat...

[NangWS]

Thanks nin-ja-neer.......!!!

[peggyf60940318]

I got the dreaded "bad parameter" message when trying to replace one page of a complex 532 page PDF.   I created a new clean one page PDF and appended it to the end of my big PDF and then tried the replace command again. Success!  Then deleted the appended clean PDF.  All good.

This solution works. Thanks.

[lanaf47804382]

Hi, I am working in Acrobat DC and had multiple issues with "Bad Parameter" when trying to delete one page and I tried your method and it un-locked that page. My document was over 2200 long, so this really helped. Thanks!

[travisw042]

I had this problem and just figured it out on my end for Acrobat Pro DC.

File/Properties/Security

update security method to "No Security".

Hope this helps.

[kskag10533477]

I had the same pb after deleting many blank page from the thumbnail pan.

I found a weird a weird solution to fix this : I when I get the error I just click on the page thumbnail (left pan) and then close the pan and then hit crtl+S and it works (the error comes back on that doc, but at least you can save you highlights or delete pages)

[Stuuey]

BAD PARAMETER REALLY RESOLVED...

Wow, I can't believe how many users have been affected by this, and no one from Adobe has jumped in and explained how easy this is to fix!!  The reason this error comes up is the TAGS that are embedded BY LAW for the handicapped.  Here's the fix to this terribly annoying issue...

• On any page of your document, go to the far left of your screen, and right-click in the gray margin strip.
• Click on "Tags".  A box will appear with the Tags icon in it.
• Right click on the Tags icon and navigate to "Delete Tag".  Click on this button.

THAT'S IT - YOU'RE DONE.  IT'S FIXED !!   EASY AS PIE !

[WHATDAFU__]

I have both Acrobat 9 Std and Acrobat Reader DC Ver. 2019 and I have yet to find anything called "TAGS" or any TAGS Panel in either program. So what gives?

[WHATDAFU__]

BTW I did manage to fix my "Bad Parameter" issue, but not with any of the solutions presented here. Basically, instead of inserting the replacement page file into the master file, then deleting the page being replaced (which gave me the BAD PARAMETER error), I inserted all the pages of the master file into the replacement file, deleted the page being replaced, moved the replacement page to its proper location using drag and drop in the Pages Panel (which actually does exist), and used save as to overwrite the original master file.

[FRowleyJr]

Stuuey!

You're an Adobe genius!! That worked and couldn't have been more simple. Another solution that my incredible woman suggested, which also worked like a charm, was to save the PDF as a Word docx, then just convert it right back to a PDF.

Thanks again!

[nutech12]

WOW.  After spending more than a half hour trying the ADOBE way to Combine files etc... and spending time trying to speak to their Customer support ppl, I came across this!

All I can say is THANK YOU!!!!! @Stuuey  It worked like a charm!  Forget the other posts on the Bad parameter. You all should be using this one.

[visual_Glitter5EC1]

this works + thanks!

[epubsinc01748]

This worked in 2025!

[omar_0574]

dear stueey, you are an absolute madlad!

[Lunardinim]

HELP ME! I can't find a solution anywhere! Even Adobe Support Staff are stumped! I keep getting a "bad parameter" error from my submit a form button. It will not send to email. Please help! I am on a deadline and I can't seem to figure this one out. Also, there are no youtube videos or anything in the support community to address this. This is not a scanner issue or deleting pages issues. This is directly from a submit button. I've tried it on many different forms and I keep getting the same response. THANK YOU in advance! 

[Test Screen Name]

Same error, entirely different problem. Deleting pages and submitting a form won't be the same issue. Can't recall ever seeing this on submitting a form. You might be first to find it. Suggest you post a new message. 

[obieakpachiogu]

This was super useful;!!!!! Thanks a million.

[jehuerga]

Same here. I can't find a solution to my issue. I tried everyone from these comments above and still getting the message on the screen saying Bad Parameters. I also created a new Word document, save it as a PDF, then Open it again, Click on Prepare Form, and Add the Submit button with mailto:'myemail', etc. Can someone please give me some directions here?