These forums are now Read Only. If you have an Acrobat question, ask questions and get help from one of our experts.

Force downloading new version of Reader

Asiante
Registered: Aug 20 2009
Posts: 32
Answered

Hi,

I'm not sure if it is even possible but it would make my life easier.

I created a form in livecycle designer8. It's a dynamic form with several hidden fields (they open with a checkbox, and after submitting should stay open).

When people fill out the form with Reader7 this option doesn't work and submitted form doesn't work at all, (hidden fields are hidden permanently)

Is it possible to force people who doesn't have reader 8.1 or higher to update their version when they open a form?

I would be very grateful for any help.

Joanna

lkassuba
ExpertTeam
Registered: Jun 28 2007
Posts: 3636
You can't force folks to upgrade the Reader but you can add functionality to help a user understand
if a feature won't work in an earlier version. For example, Acrobat can assess the viewer and report in an application alert dialog box if it detects a version lower than one you want. For an example on how to do this check out Ted Padova's tip number 42 in the [url=http://www.acrobatusers.com/tutorials/acrobat-guru-shares-101-favorite-tips-tasks-free-ebook]101 form tips guide[/url].

Lori Kassuba is an AUC Expert and Community Manager for AcrobatUsers.com.

jonom
Registered: Jan 31 2008
Posts: 133
You can't force someone to upgrade, but you can make it so that they can't fill out the form if they don't have the correct version.

Use the version checking code from the pdf lkassuba linked to but instead of popping up an alert you can hide the form or make it read-only.

I have this setup on one form, I have a Main subform that holds all of my actual form and I have a Version subform that displays a message telling people they need to upgrade and provide a link to Adober's Reader download.

So, on failing the version check the Version subform is displayed and the Main subform is hidden.

I've done something similar for checking if javascript is turned off.
Asiante
Registered: Aug 20 2009
Posts: 32
Thanks jonom I will try your advice. People just don't read pop up windows, they check cancel and go straight to the form, so your solution seems very smart.
Asiante
Registered: Aug 20 2009
Posts: 32
Once again thanks for advice. It works perfectly!
jonom
Registered: Jan 31 2008
Posts: 133
Glad it works for you!
letofus
Registered: Jan 21 2010
Posts: 3
hello all

sorry to put up this topic, but jonom please may it will be possible to have some tuto or example please
as i try hard and don't succeed in it
thanks a lot if you can do

(sorry but i am french user, and hard to follow...
hey you cannot expect frenchs to understand at first time !) lol