discussion / Geospatial  / 15 November 2024

Query Regarding ArcMap

I am not able to use tools in arcmap 10.8. I mean tools are not running in my arcmap 10.8. What would be the reason and how to solve it?




Chris Yesson
@CYesson
Zoological Society London (ZSL)
I am a benthic ecologist using low-cost tech to explore seabed habitats in temperate and cold water.
Conversation starter level 1

Have you considered the open source alternative of QGIS?  Its a really mature package with heaps of user friendly functionality.

Vincent BLANQU脡
@vinz  | Him
United Nations Environment Program World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP WCMC)
GIS & EO Specialist with almost 20 years experience working with GIS in different topics. I am now working in Digital Tranformation Team at UNEP-WCMC mainly focus on Protected Planet programme to upgrade National and Global Stats for Target 3.1 (30x30) and UN Biodivesity Lab.
WILDLABS Event Speaker

Hi Muzna, 

To be honest I do prefer QGIS (Quantum GIS) which is easier and faster for so many GIS processes. 

About your problem, when you say it is not working, it could be for many reason. 

I would need more information to try to help you.

  1. Is there any Warning or Error Message?  
  2. Is the Toolbar panel open?
  3. What specific tool are you looking for?

Here what my assistant says...

If the ArcGIS toolbar is not working, it could be due to several reasons. Here鈥檚 a checklist to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Toolbar Not Enabled
  • Check if the Toolbar is Enabled:
    • Right-click on an empty area of the toolbar or ribbon.
    • Look for the specific toolbar (e.g., "Editor," "Draw").
    • Ensure it is checked. If not, click on it to enable.
 
2. Corrupted Toolbar Settings
  • Reset Toolbar Settings:
    • Sometimes the toolbar settings file gets corrupted. Resetting can resolve this:
      1. Close ArcGIS.
      2. Navigate to the following directory:
        • Windows 10/11: C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\ESRI\Desktop10.x
      3. Locate and rename the Normal.mxt file to Normal_backup.mxt.
      4. Reopen ArcGIS. A new Normal.mxt will be created.
 
3. Add-In or Extension Issue
  • Check for Extensions:
    • Some toolbars are part of extensions (e.g., Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst).
    • Go to Customize > Extensions and ensure the required extension is enabled.
 
4. Outdated or Missing Components
  • Ensure ArcGIS is Updated:
    • Check for updates via the ESRI website or your organization's IT department.
    • Missing patches or service packs can cause tools to stop working.
  • Check for Missing Add-Ins:
    • If using a custom toolbar, ensure the add-in or script it depends on is installed and correctly configured.
 
5. User Permissions Issue
  • Run ArcGIS as Administrator:
    • Right-click on the ArcGIS application and select Run as Administrator.
    • This can resolve permission-related issues, especially if you recently installed the software.
 
6. Corrupted Installation
  • Repair ArcGIS:
    • Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
    • Select ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Pro.
    • Click Repair to fix installation issues.
 
7. Display or Rendering Issue
  • Reset Display Cache:
    • Go to Customize > ArcMap Options > Display Cache.
    • Clear the display cache.
  • Check Screen Resolution and Scaling:
    • Ensure your display settings meet ArcGIS requirements (e.g., DPI scaling is set to 100%).
 
8. ArcGIS Pro Toolbar Issue

If you are using ArcGIS Pro:

  • Check the View tab and ensure the appropriate ribbon tabs are enabled.
  • Use Project > Options > Customize Ribbon to reset or modify the ribbon settings.
  •  
Last but not least... if the Issue Persists
  • Contact ESRI Support:
    • If none of these solutions work, contact ESRI technical support. 

      Provide details about your environment, including:

      • ArcGIS version?
      • Operating system version?
      • Exact steps leading to the issue?

Let me know if you need further guidance! But again I am not an expert in ESRI ArcGIS.