Can't remove password protection of .pdf file

[Beth_Lenholt@adobeforums.com]

I have a .pdf file that is password protected. I did not create it, but I do have the password. I can open the file in Acrobat 5.0 using the password; however, when I attempt to change the document's security settings I'm again asked for the password, but this time it isn't accepted.

Can anyone help me? I need to remove the password protection for this document. The original writer is no longer with the company.

[Ian_Burton@home_in_Paris.fr]

When creating security you can define two passwords, one needed to open the file and all the security settings will apply. Then there's a master password needed to modify the security settings. Clearly it does not make sense to use the same password for both. If you can't get hold of the departed writer then have a look here:
<http://www.elcomsoft.com/apdfpr.html>
Cheers
Ian

[Beth_Lenholt@adobeforums.com]

Hello Ian,

Thank you. I downloaded a trial version and it decrypted a portion of the document. That's great!
Now, I just have to get my company to purchase a business version so that I can decrypt the entire document.

I appreciate your assistance.

Beth

[Ian_Mellors@adobeforums.com]

Just as a warning to all, and I'm sure this has been stressed before in this forum;

never, ever destroy the original document (word, excel etc etc). IN this way you can always go back to the document in such instances.

[AB_Holley@adobeforums.com]

I had the same problem with wanting to create bookmarks. I'm usung Acrobat 4.0 and printed pdf with my distiller settings, new document allows bookmarks and my security settings.

[priya]

you are authorized to check a bunch of critical PDF files, which were created and encrypted by a former department manager. You need to open these PDF files and print them. Or this job will take you a month or longer.
What's more, i share you a article about How to remove PDF password and restriction ,which has made the whole process easy.
It saved me lots of time on this. I just shared the guide with you.