File cannot be loaded due to incompatibility in file format or projection information. The file will be skipped

Error Message

This error occurs when selecting a shapefile to reproject in the Projection utility:

"File cannot be loaded due to incompatibility in file format or projection information. The file will be skipped."

Cause

The shapefile has an associated .prj file.

Solution or Workaround

1. Open a file manager program, such as Windows Explorer.
2. Navigate to the folder where the shapefile is located.
3. Rename the associated *.prj file to *.old.
4. Try the Projection utility again.