PDF file opens without error but gives error 109 when saving

Report · Jul 09, 2024

When I open some PDF files (notably bills from Thames Water) in Acrobat Reader, they open correctly and without giving any error messages. However, if I then try to save a copy (since they are generally downloaded from the web), this fails with "error 109". The same happens if I manually copy the document somewhere and then try the same thing. I have tried re-downloading the documents and changing the security settings as suggested in related threads, all to no avail. I also tried validating the document using https://www.pdf-online.com/osa/validate.aspx and this claimed that it conformed to PDF 1.6. Can anyone suggest how to overcome this annoying problem, please, or what to ask the creator of the documents to do so that they work? My Acrobat Reader version is 2024.002.20895 64 bit running under Windows 11.

Report · Jul 16, 2024

Some further information:

I opened the same file with Acrobat Pro (free trial) 2024.002.20857 64 bit and performed "preflight" checks. These showed no syntax errors or warnings, one font warning (text cannot be mapped to unicode), and two overprint warnings (black object is set to knock out, small black text is set to knock out). It was able to save the file without error. I then tried opening this saved file using Acrobat Reader as before (on a different PC) and saving it to another location, and this was successful. SO THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH ACROBAT READER, IN THAT IT CANNOT SAVE A FILE WHICH ACROBAT PRO CAN. Incidentally, I also noted that the saved file was a different size and totally different internally from the original; surely, at least for Acrobat Reader, saving a file should be nothing more than copying input to output?

Report · Jul 16, 2024

I am having problems with the "free" Acrobat Reader that I downloaded when a client's program would not allow

me to open a file that required "reader," which was odd to be because I HAD Adobe Acrobat Professional on my system

for years and always opened reader or not. Finally, I surrendered to the READER and downloaded the program. It

failed to inform me that I could NOT have both software on the same computer at the same time!!! I researched this

when my Adobe Acrobat Professional software was wiped off my computer by the READER software!!! I have been

trying for two days to figure out WHY with no answers. During the download, Adobe NEVER asked for permission

to delete my PRO nor did it inform me of the consequences. The whole thing made me physically sick. I thought

about deleting READER and installing the PRO again but the box says I have to have a previous version before I

can install the DISK that I have!! The previous version DISK is not in the other box. I do have serial #s for both programs, both PRO software disks. HELP I am so tired to "chatting" with AI and the designated responses that don't fit

any of my problems exactly. Oh , yeah, I saved my disks and have been holding out on monthly and yearly subscriptions. After all, I saved my disk.......

Report · Jul 18, 2024

Hi @Ann22073253dwu0

Hope you are doing well and thanks for reaching out.

The 64-bit application is a unified application for Acrobat and Acrobat Reader. If you have installed Acrobat Reader 64-bit and you purchase an Acrobat subscription, the Acrobat Reader 64-bit application will upgrade to become a fully functional Acrobat 64-bit application. For more information please check the help page (https://adobe.ly/4d0YBTn)

As you have the serial number products along with the installation disk, please run the Acrobat cleaner tool (https://adobe.ly/3WstLNq), reboot the computer and reinstall the application using the installation disk and see if that works.

@nigelh72856175

The error 109 means that the document is somewhat messed up. Go to Preferences (Ctrl,Cmd +K) and deactivate the "Save as > optimizes for fast web view" option. The reason for the error in this case is that when optimizeing for fast web view the internal structure of the document gets changed, but in your open version, the pointers are still set for the original version. So, when the document refreshes, the pointers point to wrong places.

Let us know how it goes.

Regards

Amal

Report · Aug 08, 2024

Hi Amal,

I checked, and that option was already deselected.

After the free trial expired, the full Acrobat downgraded to Acrobat Reader, as of course it should. I believe that I was able to save the file from this without a problem, although I couldn't from copies that had never been upgraded to the full Acrobat. However, I am unable to reproduce this; whether this is the result of an update in the meantime (I see that there has been one on 30th July), or simply that I remebered incorrectly, I cannot be sure.