5

If I try to open any MXD by double-clicking it from Windows Explorer or ArcCatalog, ArcMap fails to open.

I can see in Task Manager that ArcGISFileHandler.exe briefly runs, then closes, but ArcMap.exe never opens. If I first open ArcMap, then load the MXD, it opens correctly. This happens with any MXD.

Is there anything I should check before reinstalling ArcGIS? Windows 7 and ArcGIS 10.2.1

Edit - I just noticed that double-clicking an *.sxd does work - the document is opened in ArcScene. Why would there be a difference between ArcMap and ArcScene? I would think that a problem in one program would also apply to the other.

Improve this question
6
  • 3
    Have you lost your file association MXD with ArcGis File Handler? "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\ArcGIS\bin\ArcGISFileHandler.exe" /dde
    – Michael Stimson
    Commented Sep 24, 2014 at 1:28
  • It works for me using ArcGIS 10.2.2 for Desktop on Windows 7, and I would be surprised if I did not notice it not working when I was at 10.2.1, so if it is not file association as per suggestion from @MichaelMiles-Stimson, I too would be thinking uninstall/reinstall as expedient to getting it back.
    – PolyGeo ♦
    Commented Sep 24, 2014 at 1:52
  • @MichaelMiles-Stimson thanks for the tip, but no dice. I don't care enough to reinstall so I think I'll just live with my 'personalised' version
    – Stephen Lead
    Commented Sep 24, 2014 at 2:14
  • If the ArcGisFileHandler isn't working you could change the file association to ArcMap. start c:\install\path\ArcMap.exe %1 works.
    – Michael Stimson
    Commented Sep 24, 2014 at 3:20
  • How do I set the %1 bit? (I'm trying via > Start > Default Programs > Associate a file type with a program)
    – Stephen Lead
    Commented Sep 24, 2014 at 3:40

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
2

Right click the mxd file and choose properties>open with and search for the ArcMap.exe file in the ArcGIS folder.

This should at least fix it for windows explorer.

Improve this answer
1

I never found the true cause of this problem - but I can confirm that it was a local issue specific to one PC.

Using a new PC, this problem does not occur, so presumably there was some corruption of a required file somewhere.

As with many ArcMap problems, a complete re-build of the Windows partition goes a long way.....

Improve this answer
0

Make sure that you are opening it with "ArcMap.exe" and no other exe from ESRI like ArcMap Handler or the like, I had the same issue, but just changed it to be opened with ArcMap.exe directly, and voila :)

:\Program Files (x86)\ArcGIS\Desktop10.3\bin\ArcMap.exe

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.