This Document Could Not Be Saved. There Was a Problem Reading This Document (105)

When you encounter the error message “this document could not be saved. there was a problem reading this document (105),” it can be frustrating, especially if you’re working on a crucial file. This error commonly occurs when working with PDF documents, particularly in Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader. The issue prevents users from saving their changes and might even corrupt the file, making it unreadable. Understanding the root causes and finding a proper solution is crucial to prevent data loss and resolve the problem.

What Causes the Problem?

There are several possible reasons for the “this document could not be saved. there was a problem reading this document (105)” error. Let’s go over the most common causes:

1. Corrupted PDF File: One of the most frequent reasons for this error is that the PDF file is corrupted. This can happen during the download process, or if the file has been moved across different storage media or systems. In some cases, poor conversion from another format into PDF might leave behind corrupt data that the program cannot read.
2. Faulty Installation of Adobe Software: Another common cause could be related to the Adobe Reader or Acrobat installation itself. If the installation has been corrupted or outdated, it may struggle to read or save documents properly, resulting in the error.
3. File Permissions and Access Issues: Sometimes, the problem might lie in the file’s permissions. If the user does not have sufficient rights to modify or save the file in its current location, Adobe might throw up this error.
4. Third-Party Plug-ins or Programs: Some third-party applications that interact with Adobe Acrobat or Reader may cause interference, leading to the error. Additionally, certain security programs might block Adobe’s access to the file, considering it a potential threat.
5. Document Settings or Locking: Occasionally, settings within the document itself might cause this error. Some PDFs come with read-only or protected modes enabled, which could prevent modifications or saving the document.

How the Error Manifests for Users

The “this document could not be saved. there was a problem reading this document (105)” error usually appears when a user tries to save changes to a PDF document after editing. In most cases, users can open the document, make changes, but encounter the error only when attempting to save. The document might even appear blank or lose some content in the process. In severe cases, the error may prevent any interaction with the file, making it completely unreadable or unusable.

Real-World Examples and User Experiences

Looking through forums such as Reddit, Adobe community forums, and tech support threads reveals that users commonly report this issue when dealing with large or complex PDFs, especially those that include graphics, interactive elements, or multiple layers. In one case, a user attempted to save an edited document only to receive the error and lose several hours of work. They later found out that a third-party PDF tool had corrupted the document, causing Adobe to fail in saving it.

Another user shared their experience with a protected PDF file. They were trying to fill out a form but could not save it, as the file had restricted permissions. They were unaware of this until they received the “this document could not be saved. there was a problem reading this document (105)” message.

How to Resolve the Issue

Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting methods available that can help resolve the “this document could not be saved. there was a problem reading this document (105)” error. Below are some step-by-step solutions you can try:

1. Check if the PDF is Corrupted

The first step is to determine whether the document itself is corrupt. Try opening the file on a different computer or using a different PDF reader. If the file fails to open elsewhere, it’s likely that the PDF is corrupt.

• Solution: Use online tools or professional PDF repair software to attempt fixing the corrupted PDF file. Alternatively, you can try downloading the document again or requesting a fresh copy.

2. Update Adobe Acrobat or Reader

Outdated software can lead to issues when interacting with modern file formats. Make sure your version of Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader is up-to-date.

• Solution: Go to Help > Check for Updates in Adobe Reader or Acrobat. If updates are available, download and install them. Restart your program and attempt to save the document again.

3. Disable Third-Party Plug-ins

Sometimes, third-party plug-ins installed in Adobe Acrobat can interfere with saving or reading documents. Disabling these plug-ins may solve the problem.

• Solution: Open Adobe Acrobat, go to Edit > Preferences > Security (Enhanced) and disable any third-party plug-ins. Restart Adobe and check if the issue persists.

4. Check File Permissions

Ensure you have the correct file permissions to modify and save the document. If the file is in a location where your user account has restricted access, you will encounter errors.

• Solution: Right-click on the PDF file, select Properties, and go to the Security tab. Ensure that your user account has full control. If necessary, move the file to a directory where you have full access.

5. Save As a New File

In some cases, simply saving the file with a new name or in a different format can bypass the error.

• Solution: Try saving the document under a new name by going to File > Save As, and choose a different file name or location.

6. Use Adobe Repair Installation Tool

If the issue is caused by a faulty installation of Adobe software, using the repair function might fix the problem.

• Solution: Open Adobe Acrobat or Reader, go to Help > Repair Installation, and follow the on-screen instructions. Restart your computer afterward and try saving the document again.

7. Try a Different PDF Reader or Editor

If all else fails, you can attempt to use a different PDF reader or editor to open and save the document. Free programs like Foxit PDF Reader or web-based PDF editors might handle the document better.

Tips to Prevent Similar Issues in the Future

Preventing errors like “this document could not be saved. there was a problem reading this document (105)” involves a combination of best practices for managing PDF files and ensuring that your software is up-to-date. Here are some tips:

• Regularly Update Your Software: Make sure you’re using the latest version of Adobe Acrobat or Reader to avoid compatibility issues.
• Save Backups: Always create backups of important PDF files, especially before making any major changes. This will save you a headache if something goes wrong.
• Avoid Using Unreliable Third-Party Tools: Some third-party PDF tools may corrupt your files. Stick with reputable software when converting or editing PDFs.
• Check File Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to modify or save files in the chosen directory.
• Optimize PDF Files: If you’re working with large or complex files, consider optimizing the document to reduce its size and complexity. Adobe Acrobat offers tools for file optimization, which can help avoid issues when saving.