Error Message
When attempting to open ArcMap, the following error message is displayed:"ArcMap has encountered a problem and needs to close."or the ArcMap splash screen disappears with no error and ArcMap never opens.Event Viewer shows that an error occurred in the file named 'afcore.dll'.
Cause
This error is caused by Windows number formats being set incorrectly or being logged onto the computer under a corrupt user profile.
Solution or Workaround
Windows XP:
1) Navigate to Start > Control Panel > Regional and Lanuage Options.
2) Click the Customize button.
3) Change the number formats to match these default settings:
Decimal symbol: .
No. of digits after decimal: 2
Digit grouping symbol: ,
Digit grouping: 123,456,789
Negative sign symbol: -
Negative number format: -1.1
Display leading zeros: 0.7
List separator: ,
Measurement system: U.S.
4) Click Apply then click OK.
Windows Vista:
1) Navigate to Start > Control Panel > Regional and Lanuage Options.
2) Click the 'Customize this format' button.
3) Click the Reset button.
4) Click Apply then click OK.
If ArcMap still will not open, create a new user profile and log onto the computer using it.