When adding a shapefile to a view, "Feature table has error - unable to make theme" occurs

Error Message

The following error occurs when adding a shapefile to a view:

"Feature table has error - unable to make theme."

Cause

The theme attribute table is corrupt.

Solution or Workaround

1. Open the .dbf file associated with the theme in Excel.
2. Click Insert > Name > Define.
3. Select the word Database from the list on the Define Name dialog box.
4. Click the button at the bottom right-hand corner.
5. Click the upper left-hand cell and drag a box to the lower right-hand cell.
6. Save the file as a .dbf with the same name as the original table.