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Error: ArcMap.exe has generated errors and will be closed by Windows
| Article ID: | 19980 |
|---|---|
| Software: | ArcGIS - ArcEditor 8.1, 8.1.2, 8.2, 8.3, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3 ArcGIS - ArcInfo 8.1, 8.1.2, 8.2, 8.3, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3 ArcGIS - ArcView 8.1, 8.1.2, 8.2, 8.3, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3 |
| Platforms: | Windows NT 4.0, 2000, XP |
Error Message
ArcMap randomly crashes and Windows returns one of the error messages shown below. Information provided in this article are some general solutions that may provide ways to avoid the errors.
The error messages are:
"The instruction 0x0000000 referenced memory at 0x0000000 which could not be read"
"ArcMap.exe has generated errors and will be closed by Windows"
"ArcMap has encountered a problem and needs to be closed"
The error messages are:
"The instruction 0x0000000 referenced memory at 0x0000000 which could not be read"
"ArcMap.exe has generated errors and will be closed by Windows"
"ArcMap has encountered a problem and needs to be closed"
Cause
This error can be caused by one or more system conflicts.
Solution or Workaround
The following is a list of most common solutions.
This is a general Windows error that has many causes and many solutions. Contrary to the error message, there is no log file created.
This is a general Windows error that has many causes and many solutions. Contrary to the error message, there is no log file created.- Open ArcCatalog first; reopen ArcMap.
- Verify the current service pack is present for the Windows operating system:
Windows NT - SP 6a
Windows 2000 - SP4
Windows XP - SP1a - Verify that a minimum 500 MB of virtual memory is present. The maximum size can be set as high as desired, up to 4GB, or approximately 4072 MB.
On Windows XP, this can be set to 'System Managed' to let Windows manage the size of the virtual memory.
-show me- Summary Instructions provided describe how to adjust the system's Virtual Memory setting. For the maximum benefit, set this to the maximum available on the Windows operating system. For Windows 95, 98, ME and 2000, that maximum available is 4095. For Windows XP, the maximum available is 4096. Windows 2003 Server can be set higher than 4Gb. See the link in the Related Information section below.Procedure The drive selected for the virtual memory should have enough free space to store the Page File as defined by the initial and maximum settings. If the amount of free space on the drive is less than the Virtual Memory settings, the Page File size uses all the available drive space. In that case, clear some space on the drive or set the virtual memory to another drive.
Select an operating system below.- Windows XP and Windows 2003 Server:
1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
2. Double-click the System icon.
3. Click the Advanced tab.
4. Click Settings under Performance.
5. Click the Advanced tab, and click Change under Virtual Memory.
6. Select the drive desired to use to store the paging file.
7. Set Initial size (MB) and Maximum size. For the initial size, Microsoft recommends using the recommended value in the Total Page File Size for All Drives box.
8. Click Set, and click OK twice.
9. Click Restart Now. To have Windows select the best paging file size, click System managed size. Windows 2003 Server can be set with a page file larger than 4Gb. See the link in the Related Information section below.
- Windows 2000:
1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Systems icon.
3. Switch to the Advanced tab and click Performance Options.
4. Click Change under Virtual Memory.
5. Select a disk.
6. Type new values for initial and maximum sizes for that disk in Paging File size for Selected Drive. When the Virtual Memory dialog box first comes up, it shows the initial and maximum Page File sizes stored on each disk.
- Windows NT:
1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Systems icon.
3. Select the Performance tab.
4. Click Change under Virtual Memory.
5. Select a disk.
6. Type new values for initial and maximum sizes for that disk in Paging File size for Selected Drive. When the Virtual Memory dialog box first appears, it shows the initial and maximum Page File sizes stored on each disk.
- Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME:
1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Systems icon.
3. Select the Performance tab.
4. Click the Virtual Memory button under Advanced Settings. If the recommended 'Let Windows manage my virtual memory settings' radio button is selected, the Page File resides on the C:\ drive. The size of the file increases and decreases based on memory demands.
- Windows Vista:
1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
2. Click System and Maintenance.
3. Click System.
4. Click the Advanced System Settings link on the left.
5. Click Settings under Performance.
6. Click the Advanced tab, and click Change under Virtual Memory.
7. Select the drive to use to store the paging file.
8. Set Initial size (MB) and Maximum size. For the Initial size, Microsoft recommends using the recommended value in the Total Page File size for All Drives box.
9. Click Set, and click OK twice.
10. Click Restart Now.
- Windows XP and Windows 2003 Server:
- Verify the following user variables are set:
Variable: TMP Value: <drive>:\TEMP
Variable: TEMP Value: <drive>:\TEMP
How the environment variables are set depends on the operating system.-show me- Summary Instructions provided describe how to edit environment variables for all supported platforms.Procedure 
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.
- Download and install the latest Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) available. Refer to the link in Related Information, below.
- Delete the ArcMap template file, Normal.mxt. It will be recreated the next time ArcMap is started.
On Windows NT:
C:\WINNT\Profiles\<user_account>\Application Data\Esri\ArcMap\Templates
On Windows 2000 & XP:
C:\Documents and Settings\<user_account>\Application Data\Esri\ArcMap\Templates - Verify a default printer is installed. If the default printer is on a network, be sure there is access to that printer.
- Remove any customizations, add-on scripts, third-party extensions for ArcGIS, and unregister any custom DLL's that may be present. If removing the customizations fixes the problem, then the customizations can be added in one at a time to determine where the problem lies.
Methods to remove customizations varies depending on the customization type. Contact the vendor or author of the customization to determine the best method.
- Make sure the MXD or the referenced data has not been moved or deleted.
- Double-click an .mxd file in Windows Explorer.
- Do a clean reinstall of the software.
The installation requires that you are logged in as an administrator.
- If the problem still is not resolved, there may be an issue with the operating system. Update Internet Explorer and reapply the latest Windows Service Pack.
Related Information
- ArcMap.exe has encountered an error and needs to close. We apologize for the inconvenience
ArcMap or ArcCatalog randomly crashes and Windows returns one of the error messages shown below. The instructions provided in this article address general solutions that may help avoid the errors. The error messages are: "ArcMap.exe has en... - Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC)
Created: 7/9/2001
Last Modified: 6/17/2009