Opening an encrypted, password protected, PDF when I forgot the password

[jamesp89712428]

Hello.  First post for me in any type of Adobe forum EVER!

I created a PDF in 2012 and assigned a password so that it could not be reopened without entering the password.  It's not really a confidential PDF, but it is something that not everyone in my office who accesses our network should have had access to.

I need to open that file now, and I can't remember the password.  I've tried everything that I could think of, but since I didn't write it down - I'm at a loss.

Additionally, I can't install any type of password cracking programs on my work computer without our IT permission, and that isn't going to happen.  Nothing can be installed.  I can send the file to myself and try an Android app if there is one.

Does anyone know of a way that I can open this file?  It's something that can't be recreated.

Here's proof that I "own" the file.  That's my username:

Thanks in advance!

[try67 · Accepted solution]

We can't help you. No Adobe application will allow you to open the file

without the password.

[jamesp89712428]

Not even Adobe themselves?  Is there a way to contact them directly?  I tried finding contact info, but it kept sending me to these forums.

[try67]

No, they can't help you, either.

[John T Smith]

This is a public forum, not Adobe support... click below to contact Adobe staff to help

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But... I very much doubt that Adobe is going to be able to help, since the entire idea of using a password is to protect the file, and Adobe is not in the business of "cracking" files

[jamesp89712428]

Thanks.  I'm hoping that they can help.  It's my file...not like I'm trying to open someone else's work.  I appreciate the help.

[try67]

There's no way to prove that. The fact it shows up as "owned" by you in the file properties is meaningless. That's just a permission on your local network. Don't waste your time.

[default7qn757fcved4]

Dear Adobe,

No one ever asked you to password protect my documents, and you do it automatically! Very, Very bad user experience.

[Bernd Alheit]

Adobe can't access and protect your files. 

[sevenh]

I have the same odd problem, e signed pdf with "open" password set and I did not set it.

[Tony328937035szt]

Tony Goldwire