You do not have permission to perform this operation.

Report · Sep 20, 2017

I've checked the forums and don't see this problem.

Using Reader DC 2017 Release.

Attempting to open a pdf file and getting an error message of "You do not have permission to perform this operation." The author of the file is also getting this error.

File was created in June 2017.

I have used Notepad to confirm it is an actual PDF file. The first line says, %PDF-1.6%âãÏÓ

Checked the metadata via windows explorer/properties. Read/Write are both checked.

There is no prompting for password.

I've tried a Microsoft Office repair tool without success.

Any ideas how I may recover this file?

Report · Sep 21, 2017

Hi Kevinw,

As I understand, you are getting this error message, " You do not have permission to perform this operation" when trying to open a pdf file, is that correct?

Try launching Reader as an administrator and open pdf file using File > Open from there, does that work?

Here are the steps on how to: Run an Adobe program as administrator | Windows 7, Vista

Let us know how it goes.

Shivam

Report · Sep 25, 2017

Thank you for the response.

I am using Windows 10.

I did open Reader as an admin and attempted to open the file. I still get the same error message.

Report · Sep 26, 2017

You're Welcome!

Would it be possible if you can share the problematic pdf file with us, we would like to replicate the issue at our end.

You may share the link for the pdf using Send and Track.

1- Visit this link: https://cloud.acrobat.com/send

2- Click Add files > choose files from my computer

3- Select the file > create link. You can copy paste the link here in the forums or share it via private message.

To send a private message, left-click on the user's name and click Message.

Thanks,

Shivam

Report · Sep 26, 2017

I am having the same problem. I am using Windows 10. I applied all the updates for Adobe Reader DC, ran the checks for any problems. I even uninstalled it and downloaded it again. Sometimes it would open a pdf file but more often it would not. Out of frustration I uninstalled Adobe Reader DC and am using Reader. This problem seemed to appear around the end of July, was there an automatic update installed around that time that may not be compatible with Windows 10.

Cheers

Report · Dec 29, 2017

I have the same exact problem with all PDF files on my computer? I did download another app from the Microsoft store and it works great. Did anyone find out why Aaobe Reader DC is not working. I also tried as the administrator.

Report · Jan 01, 2018

Hi Allisterm, Lee,

Could you please try the troubleshooting steps given in the link given below:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/help/2669244/-windows-cannot-access-the-specified-device--path--...

Let us know how it goes.

Shivam

Report · Jan 03, 2018

I have the same issue. Files were OK until this week and then cannot open "You do not have permission to perform this operation".

I tried the troubleshooting steps.

Another factor is that the documents I can't open have security (not password) protection (e.g. cannot copy text). Documents that don't have security open up OK.

Report · Jan 05, 2018

Hi LindsayAus,

I have sent you a private message, please check the inbox for the same.

Shivam

Report · Jan 16, 2018

I tried all the fixes listed here and other places, none of them worked.

I have given up on Adobe Reader. My previous Adobe Readers worked just fine but no longer supported. So I have downloaded another PDF reader from the Microsoft Store and it works flawlessly. Some day I hope Adobe gets their act together. Until then find another program and save yourself the hassle.

Report · Feb 08, 2018

Hi,

Could you please try troubleshooting steps suggested by QasimU (at post#6) in the following thread:

"windows cannot access specified device, path or file", adobe reader x

Let us know how it goes.

Shivam

Report · Aug 20, 2019

Hi,

I have the same problem! I have a pdf file that we bought to use! But only the buyer can open it! we are in a team! we need t open the file in our laptops!

Report · Jan 05, 2018

I have this same problem with all PDF files that are emailed to me (probably since July 2017). I have uninstalled and reinstalled Adobe DC reader several times (as an administrator) and it has not solved the problem. I have WINDOWS 10 . Occasionally after I get the error message the program opens. Once it opens I can open up PDF files but this rarely occurs. it is not even opening once in a while now but I can often "preview" the PDF file. I can sometimes open PDF files that I have saved but get an error message that the program was not opened correctly.

I need this program to work....please help.

Report · Jan 16, 2018

Hi Fozzie,

Sorry for the delay in response.

Have you tried uninstalling Adobe Reader using cleaner tool? If not, try removing Reader using cleaner tool which you can download from here: Download Adobe Reader and Acrobat Cleaner Tool - Adobe Labs , reboot the machine, and download Reader from here: Adobe - Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Distribution , reboot the machine and try again.

Let us know how it goes.

Shivam

Report · May 02, 2019

Facing the same problem. Did anyone come across a fix? Getting this error and can't find any other threads.

Report · Jul 21, 2019

I am experiencing a related problem but from Acrobat Adobe Pro. I want to add a Watermark to my PDF form but get this:

I can not change the security method without a password that I do not have or recall creating.

Anyone know where to get this password?

Report · Jul 22, 2019

Post a screenshot of the security settings.

Report · Sep 19, 2019

Hi,

I have the same problem! I have a pdf file that we bought to use! But only the buyer can open it! we are in a team! we need t open the file in our laptops! The Error message is:
''You are not permitted to open this document. It may be assigned to another user!''

Report · Jan 16, 2024

This happens when you use the Preview Pane view in windows. This view puts the document in open status and you can't edit or move an open document. Just change the view from preview pane and that will resolve your problem.

Report · Sep 17, 2024

When i try to open pdf, error shows

You do not have permission to open the application “Adobe Acrobat Reader”.

i am using mac

Report · Sep 18, 2024

Hi ps0011,

Thank you for reaching out.

Please try opening the application as an administrator. Did you get the error for the first time after using the application, or have you recently installed it? Are you using the application on the personal machine or the work machine?

If the issue still occurs, try reinstalling the application using the following steps:
- Remove the application and run the cleaner tool (https://adobe.ly/3XD0UWe).
- Reboot the machine
- Install Adobe Acrobat Reader from the following page: https://adobe.ly/3BilFPa.

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks,

Meenakshi