HOW TO

Enable ArcGIS for Desktop to create feature service local copy geodatabases in a specific directory

Last Published: April 26, 2020

Summary

ArcGIS 10.3.1 contains a new feature which allows a custom path to be set for the location of the local copy geodatabase created with the Create Local Copy command. By default, geodatabases created by the Create Local Copy command are placed in a service specific directory within the directory tree, ArcGIS\FeatureServiceLocalEdits, under the Documents folder of the user profile. When a custom path is set for local copy geodatabases, the service-specific directories are created in the specified path.

Procedure

Two methods to update the computer registry are presented below. The first method is the least complicated.
Warning:
The instructions below include making changes to essential parts of your operating system. It is recommended that you backup your operating system and files, including the registry, before proceeding. Consult with a qualified computer systems professional, if necessary.

Esri cannot guarantee results from incorrect modifications while following these instructions; therefore, use caution and proceed at your own risk.

Method 1

  1. Open Notepad and add the following lines of text (Replace C:\\myPath\\ with the desired path. Please note that backslashes must be escaped by using a double backslash.)

    For version 10.3.1:
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ESRI\Desktop10.3\ArcMap\Settings]
"CreateLocalCopyPath"="C:\\myPath\\"
  1. Save the text file with a '.reg' file extension.
  2. Double-click the .reg file. This runs the file and updates the Windows registry.

Method 2
Alternatively, registry changes can be made manually.

  1. Open the system registry: Click Start > Run, and type 'REGEDIT' in the Run dialog box. Click Yes if a warning prompt to open the Registry Editor appears.
  2. Navigate to the Table of Contents in the Registry Editor.

    For version 10.3.1:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ESRI\Desktop10.3\ArcMap\Settings 
  1. Right-click Settings, and in the context menu, select New > String Value.
  2. Type 'CreateLocalCopyPath' as the value name. Verify the case is maintained.
  3. Right-click the name of the new value, and in the context menu, select Modify.
  4. The Edit String dialog box opens. Change 'Value data' to the appropriate path (e.g. C:\MyPath\).
  5. Click OK, and close the Registry Editor.

Article ID:000012307

Software:
  • ArcMap

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