Error opening feature class. Unable to create object class COM component

Error Message

When previewing a feature class or adding it to a map, one of the following error messages occurs:

“Error opening feature class.
Unable to create object class extension COM component.”

“Error opening feature class.
Unable to create object class COM component.”

Cause

In the first case, the feature class or table has a class extension associated that is not installed on the client machine. In the second case, the feature class or table is a custom object whose behavior class is not installed on the client machine.

Solution or Workaround

• Option 1: Install the necessary class extension or behavior class on the client machine.
• Option 2: Remove the extension components from the the geodatabase by using one of the following scripts.

Warning:
Before running these scripts make sure to have a backup copy of the geodatabase.

1. If using C# or VB.NET , follow the steps outlined in the following How To article:
   How to set and remove the class extension for an existing object class
2. If using VB6 or VBA, follow the steps outlined in the following SDK article:
   Set the class extension for an existing object class
3. Use IFeatureWorkspaceSchemaEdit.AlterClassExtensionCLSID and IFeatureWorkspaceSchemaEdit.AlterInstanceCLSID to change the class extension and behavior class to classes that are installed on the client machine.