replaceDataSource() works in ArcMap but not as stand-alone script

Question

I have one script (and one alternative) that I want to use to replace a broken data source. Neither is working outside of the ArcMap Python Window.

Has it something to do with the MapDocument object?

• Tested with a few different IDEs; including PyScripter, Pythonwin, PyCharm and IDLE.

• In both instances the scripts run without error and print the correct print statements, but nothing is changed in the map document.

• Only tested using Python 2.7.13 because when working with the ArcPy module and ArcMap, Python 3.x is not supported. It's supported in ArcGIS Pro.

• No difference with mxd.saveACopy() instead of mxd.save()

Script using replaceDataSource()

mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument(r'\\gisfile\GISmaps\AtlasMaps\ATLAS_MAPS_18\Test 
Folder\Beecher_Unit_200U_B.mxd')
for lyr in arcpy.mapping.ListLayers(mxd):
    if str(lyr.name) == "Test":
        lyr.replaceDataSource(r"\\gisfile\GISstaff\Jared\Hydro.gdb", "FILEGDB_WORKSPACE", "Hydro_WillCounty_Waterways")
        print(lyr.dataSource)
mxd.save()
del mxd

and using findAndReplaceWorkspacePaths()

mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument(r'\\gisfile\GISmaps\AtlasMaps\ATLAS_MAPS_18\Test 
Folder\Joliet_Elem_86_B.mxd')
mxd.findAndReplaceWorkspacePaths(r"\\gisfile\GISmaps\GISstaff\Jared\WillCoGIS_DataSHP.gdb", r"\\gisfile\GISstaff\Jared\Hydro.gdb")
mxd.save()
del mxd

On the other hand, these scripts work fine in the ArcMap Python window. For example,

import arcpy
mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("CURRENT")
for lyr in arcpy.mapping.ListLayers(mxd):
if str(lyr.name) == "Test":
   lyr.replaceDataSource(r"\\gisfile\GISstaff\Jared\Hydro.gdb", 
   "FILEGDB_WORKSPACE", "Hydro_WillCounty_Waterways")
   print lyr.dataSource
mxd.save()
del mxd

I've had a look at similar posts, but I couldn't find one helpful enough:

• Same python code works in arcgis python window, but fails in pyScripter
• Code Works in Python Window but not Script
• Why does FeatureClassToFeatureClass work in ArcMap but not in Python script?

Answer 1

After creating an alternative script that unorthodoxically replaces the broken layer, I was able to find the problem in my original stand-alone script. It seems something is corrupt in the path to, or the FGDB itself. So, I replaced the parameters in the replaceDataSource() function to call a feature class in our SDE instead. And it worked.

lyr.replaceDataSource(r"Database Connections\example.sde", 
"SDE_WORKSPACE", "feature class example")

Answer 2

For curiosity's sake, here's that unorthodox script. It's a long workaround if you don't have many options as to where your data is stored, or you don't want to use the options from this page:

http://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/10.3/analyze/arcpy-mapping/updatingandfixingdatasources.htm

This script will:

Remove broken layer (has to be specified by exact map layer name)--> Adds a new layer--> Updates that layer's symbology by importing a .lyr file that's saved with the symbology settings you want--> Moves this layer above another layer (puts it where you want it in the TOC)

import arcpy

#variables
mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument(r'path\to\.mxd')
df = arcpy.mapping.ListDataFrames(mxd, "name of dataframe")[0]
feature = arcpy.mapping.Layer(r"path\to\feature you want on map")

for lyr in arcpy.mapping.ListLayers(mxd, "featureclass", df): #the layer you're 
replacing
    arcpy.mapping.RemoveLayer(df, lyr) #because this layer is broke, it will be removed
    arcpy.mapping.AddLayer(df, feature, "AUTO_ARRANGE") #then 'feature' has to be re-added, but will be the wrong color
    #the 'feature' will be updated by the .lyr file you created
    updateLayer = arcpy.mapping.ListLayers(mxd, "name of feature", df)[0] 
    print("MXD: {} updated").format(mxd)#print statement to make sure it's working sofar
    sourceLayer = arcpy.mapping.Layer(r"path\to\your\.lyr")
    #update layer using the .lyr file's symbology
    arcpy.mapping.UpdateLayer(df, updateLayer, sourceLayer, True)

#move layer to where you want in the TOC
for lyr2 in arcpy.mapping.ListLayers(mxd, "", df):
    if lyr2.name == "feature name":
        moveLayer = lyr2
if lyr2.name == "some other feature in the TOC":
    refLayer = lyr2
arcpy.mapping.MoveLayer(df, refLayer, moveLayer, "BEFORE")
mxd.save()
del mxd