This document could not be Reader enabled

[Lucian25872512cjvn]

Hello!

I have a problem with Reader extending my forms.

Since yesterday when i try to reader extend any pdf forms on my pc i get the message 'This document could not be Reader enabled'. Does not matter what file i try to reader extend i get the same message. 

Any idea why this is happening?

I am using Acrobat pro 2017.

[Test Screen Name · Accepted solution]

https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/reader-extended-pdfs-and-adobe-root-ca-expiry.html

Bottom line: something expired, you need to upgrade. There is no fix for Acrobat 2017.

HOWEVER, please test whether you still need to reader extend at all. Recent versions of Reader may not need you to do it at all.

[Lucian25872512cjvn · Accepted solution]

Installed a trial Adobe pro 2022 and it indeed solves the problem. So it seems older versions of adobe pro with perpetual license cannot reader extend anymore since 7 jan 2023

[Test Screen Name]

Kathleen, what is your *actual* version of Acrobat? I know you asked to update, but that doesn't mean it happened. Look at Acrobat > About for a number like 2023.124.98765. 

[kathleenc77663884]

2020.006.20034

[Test Screen Name]

Good, that tells us the problem. That version is indeed from 2020, so you've missed out on over 2 years of updates. This often happens, Creative Cloud doesn't (I think) update Acrobat. So, start Acrobat and use Help > Check for updates. It should install the latest, then there is a good chance that Reader enabling will work again.

[kathleenc77663884]

I can't thank you enough – it's working perfectly now!!!

[defaultj97ayprfg2mz]

Having same issue today with 2022 Acrobat pro (OS 10.14.6) and cant update anymore.

Im a bit lost in this discussion  - so have you come to the conclusion that reader enabling will only work with 2023 Acrobat pro?

[try67]

Yes, only the very latest version of Acrobat can do it, currently.

[Test Screen Name]

defaultj97ayprfg2mz, what is your actual version (three sets of numbers with a dot). There were many updates in 2022.

[defaultj97ayprfg2mz]

2022.001.20112

[defaultj97ayprfg2mz]

CC says its up to date?

[Test Screen Name · Accepted solution]

Unfortunately, CC doesn't know and doesn't update Acrobat. Acrobat updates itself. Try using Help > Check for updates.

https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/reader-extended-pdfs-and-adobe-root-ca-expiry.html says "With the November 2022 release of Adobe Acrobat and Acrobat Reader, Adobe has updated the applications..."

The update in November 2022 was 22.003.20282 (Win), 22.003.20281 (Mac). So any version since then should be ok. 2022.001.20112 is older.

Also, double check whether you still need to Reader Enable. Recent versions of Acrobat Reader no longer need this for saving PDF forms made in Acrobat, but many of us kept doing it out of habit (and because Acrobat never told us not to).

[defaultj97ayprfg2mz]

Ah thanks for all that info - very interesting and frustrating

A) because I did do the 'check for updates' and it says im up to date (but my mac is 5 yrs old so im not running latest mac m-chip adobe software so maybe thats why it wont update further)

B) Yes you're right we've been automatically saving with reader enabling out of habit! I would never had known if it werent for your advice thank you. I wish they'd stop tinkering with the things that already work for the sake of it!

thank you

[Edmond29239823casz]

I am using Adobe Acrobat Pro (64-bit) version 2023.001.20093.  The other user trying to fill and save the document using Acrobat Reader is using version 23.001.20093, but we are both still having issues.  I'm getting an error that the document is unable to be Reader Enabled and she is getting an error in Reader that The document cold not be saved.  There was a problem reading this document (23).  I've also tried sending her a version that is not reader enabled and she is unable to fill and save that one as well.  HELP!!

[greensusie51]

When you re-created another version 'not reader enabled' - did you go back to indesign and re-create a totally newly saved pdf (create form fields ) and then save as 'not reader enabled?'
We had this problem recently and tried re-saving the existing reader enabled to just a normal pdf and it didnt work.
But when we went back to the original indesign doc and exported again from scratch to a high res pdf, it was fine without saving as reader enabled. If you have a pdf form you can simply reimport/'replace page' with the new pdf page created behind any form fields and re-save as a normal pdf. This worked for us and I now ignore the reader enabled settings.

[Edmond29239823casz]

I used a previously created PDF, but I'm not sure if it was already Reader enabled as it was created by someone else.  I don't use InDesign, just using Adobe Pro to edit the form fields that were already there.  Do you think I need to start from scratch with a brand new form?

[Bernd Alheit]

You don't need reader enable Acrobat forms.

[greensusie51]

Edmonds form is already enabled though - he just wants to un-reader enable it

[Bernd Alheit]

To remove this use File > Save a Copy in Acrobat Pro.

[greensusie51]

Thats what I had to do.

It might be worth trying 'save you pdf as  a copy' first and renaming it then open and resave the new copywithout reader enabling. Otherwise Id suggest starting from scratch, a pain but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet! maybe someone else has a suggestion though? hope it helps

[Edmond29239823casz]

I've tried saving as copy several different times and renaming it, but I'm still running into the same issue.  I have a feeling its likely an issue with the file.  I'll try starting from scratch and see if that solves the issue.  Thanks for the suggestions.

[firstl26092282]

• Open your PDF with a newer version of Adobe Acrobat Pro
• File > Save as Other > Reader Extended PDF > Enable More Tools (includes form fill-in & save)... > Save Now > Save
• Now others with Adobe Reader will be able to fill in the fields and save it. 
•  

[jamieb64492769]

So what Adobe is saying is that they hobbled the functionality of the software to require us to upgrade? 
Even though they sold us a perpetual license to use the software, we don't have a perpetual license to use the software.  
How about un-hobbling my software Adobe?  I paid for it, and it worked until you purposely broke it......  

[greensusie51]

yes I agree, and also annoyingly stopped the preview function for eps files in the finder window - ok I create eps and work up artwork in ai , but I have loads of clients back work I still have to use/amend and cant see a quick preview of their logos/graphics they've supplied as eps format. Ive just has a complete brand guidelines given me with all their graphic assets saved as eps files....agh!