Enable ArcGIS for Desktop to load a map document from a local temporary copy

Summary

ArcGIS 10.3 contains a new feature which allows map documents to be loaded off a temporary local copy rather than read over the network. This can speed up the loading of map documents in some network configurations where multiple ArcMap instances are opening the same document. The instructions provided describe how to enable this feature.

Warning:
Applications that rely on the document path see a temporary file path reported by ArcObjects APIs when this feature is enabled.

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.

Method 1

1. Open Notepad and add the following lines of text: For Version 10.3:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ESRI\Desktop10.3\ArcMap\Settings]
"CopyMXDLocalOnOpen"=dword:00000001

• Setting the value to 1 loads the document from a temp copy
• Setting the value to 0 restores the default direct loading of the map document

2. Save the text file with a '.reg' file extension.
3. 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. This opens the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the Table of Contents in the Registry Editor as follows:

For Version 10.3:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ESRI\Desktop10.3\ArcMap\Settings 

3. Right-click Settings, and in the context menu, select New > DWORD Value.
4. Type 'CopyMXDLocalOnOpen' as the value. Verify the case is maintained.
5. Right-click the name of the new value, and in the context menu, select Modify.
6. The Edit DWORD Value dialog box opens. Change the Value data to 1.
7. Click OK, and close the Edit DWORD Value dialog box and the Registry Editor.