Server times out when attempting to access or load a cached map service and tiles in ArcGIS for Server

Description

Attempts to access or load a cached map service and tiles in ArcGIS for Server results in the service experiencing a time-out.

Cause

This issue occurs due to incompatible cache formatting in the ArcGIS for Server cache configuration file (conf.xml). The cache is composed of a map service directory that contains a hierarchical collection of tiles (images) and the conf.xml file which stores a description of the cache, known as a tiling scheme.

The StorageFormat parameter located in the conf.xml determines the storage mode of the tiles in the cached map service. This causes the server to experience time-outs when the amount of time it takes to retrieve the cache is lengthy.

Additionally, a cache that is generated for versions prior to the current version of ArcGIS for Server uses a cache format that is incompatible with newer versions. Therefore, there is a mismatch and incompatibility between the cache formats, which leads to the server being unable to load the cached map service.

Solution or Workaround

http://serverx.esri.com/arcgiscache/aerial/layers/conf.xml