Why can't I save my Word 07 docs as PDF files anymore

Anonymous
2012-09-01T00:17:03+00:00

Hi Folks,

I've just found that I no longer can save my Word docs as a PDF file using the "Save as" option. Each time I try I get "File could not be found". I've ran the 'Diagnostics/Repair in MS tools and also followed that with placing my DVD back in the machine and choosing "Repair".

In both cases, it failed. I have Windows 7 64bit and MS Office 2007 Standard I've been running both for about 3 years. I also tried reinstalling Adobe Reader.

There is a strange thing I should mention: When I ran my DVD this last time in an attempt to repair this problem, The window opened identifying itself as the Office 2007 Standard "Trial" !!! So I opened a word doc, went to "Word Options" and then through the several clicks until I got to the "About" window.

Incredibly, it identified me as the registered owner of Office 2007 Standard but the key number it shows is way different than the key number I saved with my DVD I purchased. I'm going to have to uninstall this program if I can't get that Word to PDF option working.

I was able to convert in the past but i can't remember the last time I did.

Thanks, Rich

PS I can worry about that key number mix up later, I just want to know why I can no longer save as a PDF.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-01-31T19:54:16+00:00

    Here are two procmon-files trying to save an empty docx. One fail with PDF/a enabled, One succes without PDF/a enabled:

    http://we.tl/YUWekBXSMY

    I hope you can read something out of these. Thank you already in advance!

    As a sidenote:

    Is there some secret option to enable higher dpi-output? Print quality 220dpi is not enough for me.

    This is also an issue for many other people.  I have heard that if you Save As PDF without doing any other save, that the PDF will be 300dpi.   I also have heard that if you first make sure that the "Compress on Save" box is left unchecked, that you can get 300dpi.  I also have heard that no matter what you do, MS Word is incapable of allowing more than 220dpi.  I can't confirm any of these because mine is not working at all.  I have given up; I do all of my PDF with doPDF, which is free, offers many options, and results in high-res output.

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-01-31T20:04:04+00:00

    If the other PC's had/have this ability it was as a result of some third party software or plug-in been installed.

    Plug-ins do not neccessarily show under Programs & Features, but within the individual Office program.

    It's not a Plug-in, it's an Add-on, and it definitely does show up in Programs and Features.  I have uninstalled it from there several times (so I could re-install).

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-01-31T20:09:09+00:00

    I am very sorry to have to disagree with you, but I have been saving PowerPoint and Word files as PDF files since I installed the programme 3 years ago, and I have never downloaded and installed the conversion patch. I know that Office 2010 does have the conversion ability built in, but I have also been able to do it on my \office 2007. I do not know about printing as PDF, but I was able to SAVE AS PDF.

    I had the same experience; although the add-on was/is in the Programs and Features, it came pre-installed with the computer (HP).  This is clear from the date on the original install.  People love to quibble about theory or their experience or average experience, or whatever, when the issue really is: why did it stop working suddenly, and how to get it to work again.

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  4. Anonymous
    2015-01-31T20:15:09+00:00

    Office 2007 doesnt natively have the ability to create pdf files (Office 2010 does) it relies on a plug-in

    http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=7

    The OP said:

    "I had stated that I ran the MS Saveaspdf addin but I didn't uninstall it first because I don't know where it is."

    This is entirely possible if the add-on was pre-installed, as mine was.

    The OP said:

    "UPDATE: I found it, uninstalled it, installed it, and tried it... No Good."

    The OP's issue is why it used to work and why it quit, and how to get it to work again.   I have the same problem (2015) and generic comments on Office 207 aren't helpful.

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  5. Doug Robbins - MVP - Office Apps and Services 323.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2015-01-31T22:19:01+00:00

    There is no add-in required with Office 2013 (assuming that is what you mean by 2015) to allow the saving of documents as pdf files.  If you do have an add-in supposedly for that purpose, try uninstalling it as it may be interfering with the in-built ability of Office to save documents as pdf files.

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