Error loading package contents" when adding a basemap or unpacking a layer.

Error Message

The following error is returned when trying to add a basemap or unpack a layer package.

"Error Loading Package Contents"

Cause

Due to a redirected profile or My Documents folder, the hard-coded paths in the file handler do not have a location to properly unpack. The file handler does not see the redirected paths without it being manually changed.

The error can also occur if the destination folder does not have write permissions.

This hard-coded behavior is a known issue.

Solution or Workaround

1. Navigate to C:\Program Files\Common Files\ArcGIS\bin.
2. Double-click ArcGISFileHandler.exe.
3. In Package Location Options, select the "Use user specified location" option and click the ellipsis (...) button on the right.
   

   See Here

   
   
   
   
4. Navigate to the correct folder location for the file handler to unpack.
   Make sure that this folder has read/write permissions.