One computer won't show editable regions

Report · Jun 28, 2018

HI All,

I'm REALLY hoping someone can help me.

I'm using Adobe Reader (latest version), not the full version of Acrobat.

I started to notice a few months ago that some PDFs that had editable regions weren't showing as having editable regions from one computer.

I tested it by sending it to my other computer (we are both on Win 7) & the other computer was fine.

It just happened again & my friend tried to find the issue online, but couldn't.

In fact, he's able to open it as well.

I even uninstalled & reinstalled Reader & still, the same issue.

This is hindering my work, so I am hoping someone can help me.

Just to be clear, in some (not all) PDFs I can see the editables.

Also here is the message I get when I open the file.

The document has been changed since it was created and use of extended features is no longer available

Thanks a ton

Report · Jun 28, 2018

Hello Ep,

Sorry for the trouble you had with Adobe Reader, as per the description, I can understand that you are getting the error message "The document has been changed since it was created and use of extended features is no longer available".

Acrobat Reader (free version) is for PDF viewing only. These Tools are only active in Acrobat Pro DC (Paid version).

If it's a PDF form and is created in Acrobat Pro and is saved with Reader Extended Feature then That form can be filled using Acrobat Reader. For detailed information, refer to the Adobe article Creating and distributing PDF forms in Adobe Acrobat

Navigate to Edit> Preferences> Security(enhanced) - uncheck "Enable Enhanced Security".

Are you able to fill the PDF form? Is it a Mac or Windows machine and what is the version of OS installed? What is the dot version of Adobe Reader installed? To identify refer to Identify the product and its version for Acrobat and Reader DC

Is it possible to share the file with us so that we can test it at our end? To share the file, please use Adobe Send feature, upload the file, share the link to files via private message only, How Do I Send Private Message

You may also refer and try the suggestions from the following Adobe article The document has been changed since it was created and use of extended features is no longer availab...

Let us know how it goes and share your findings.

Regards,

Anand Sri.

Report · Jun 29, 2018

Hi Anand,

I didn't see a way to quote you.

I also couldn't find a way to edit my post.

If I can't see the editable regions that means I can't fill them in

I unchecked that thing in the settings. It made things worse because someone else who tried to help me said someone said to resave the PDF & I tried & at least I could see the blue or pink, but I still couldn't type in the fields.

Anyway, I know how to PM you, but I don't see a way to upload files there.

I got another file with the same issue, works on one computer, but not the other.

This is affecting my work, so please help. I'll PM you.

Thank you.

Report · Jul 02, 2018

Hello Ep,

I have sent you a private message, please check your email inbox.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.

Report · Jun 28, 2018

ep2014 wrote

I'm using Adobe Reader (latest version), not the full version of Acrobat.
I started to notice a few months ago that some PDFs that had editable regions weren't showing as having editable regions from one computer.

The document has been changed since it was created and use of extended features is no longer available

There are a couple of things that need clarification, please.

Latest version: please give a number. On a Mac, go to Acrobat > About. On Windows, it's Help > About.

When you say "editable regions", do you mean form fields? Are they not being highlighted or is it that you can't click in them or something else? On another computer, you can open the exact same file and what is the behavior you get?

Extended features are something that can be put on with the paid version of Acrobat so that people with earlier versions can save forms and make comments. You don't need for the creator of the PDF to do that if you have the "latest" version. Acrobat Reader XI and DC can save forms and make comments without extended features. Show a screenshot of File > Properties > Security so we can see what has been done.