How to Remove a Password from a PDF Document in eOPF

The Electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF) system adds an additional layer of security when printing documents, requiring users to enter a password. If you need to remove the password (encryption) from a PDF document generated in eOPF, follow these step-by-step instructions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Passwords from eOPF PDFs

Step 1: Open the eOPF Print Folder

1. Log in to your eOPF account.
2. Navigate to the "My eOPF" tab.
3. Select "My eOPF Print Folder".
4. Choose the folder sides to print:
   • Single-sided or double-sided options.
5. Go to the "My eOPF Print Status" tab.
6. Under the "Action" column, look for the “View” hyperlink:
   • If the “View” hyperlink is not visible, click the “Refresh” button.
   • Depending on the folder size, this process may take a few minutes.

Step 2: Open the Password-Protected PDF

1. Download the PDF from the print status page.
2. Use the password to open the document. The password is based on your last name and print request ID:
   • For users with a dual or hyphenated last name, only capitalize the first letter of the first last name.
3. Enter the password to unlock the document.

Step 3: Remove the Encryption

1. Open the unlocked PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
2. Click on the "Tools" menu.
3. Navigate to "Protection" and then select "Encrypt".
4. Choose the "Remove Security" option.

Step 4: Save the Document

1. After removing the security, re-save the document.
   • Use a new file name if you want to keep the original password-protected file as a backup.
2. The document is now free from password protection.

Important Notes

• Ensure you enter the correct password to unlock the file before attempting to remove encryption.
• This process is only applicable for documents you are authorized to access in eOPF.
• Removing the password allows easier handling and sharing of your personnel-related documents but ensure the file is kept secure.

Contact Information

If you encounter any issues during the process, you can contact the NIH Office of Human Resources for support:

• Email: AskBenefits@nih.gov
• Main Phone: (301) 496-3592
• Benefits Phone: (301) 496-2404

For more detailed instructions, visit the official guide at NIH eOPF PDF Password Removal.