Error Message
In some instances, when closing ArcMap, the following error message returns:
Error:
"OnShutdown: COM object that has been separated from its underlying RCW cannot be used."
Cause
- ArcGIS for Desktop is referencing a previous version of an add-in. Add-ins are not backward compatible. For example, add-ins targeting ArcGIS for Desktop 10.3 do not work with earlier versions of ArcGIS for Desktop.
- Third-party extensions are installed on ArcGIS for Desktop. Even though third-party extensions can be installed on ArcGIS for Desktop, Esri does not support some extensions (thus, an error returns).
Solution or Workaround
- Remove older versions of add-ins.
- Navigate to C:\Users\<USERNAME>\Documents\ArcGIS\AddIns\Desktop10.x.
Note:
Desktop10.x is used as a placeholder for versions of ArcGIS for Desktop. Replace the x in Desktop10.x according to the version installed on the target machine.
- Move all ArcGIS for Desktop folders older than the current version installed from the current location to another location on the computer.
- Open and close ArcMap to test if the error message persists.
Note:
If the error message does not return, the folders that were moved can be deleted. However, if the error message persists, move the folders back to the original location.
- Uninstall the problematic third-party extensions.
Third-party extensions can be removed via
Add/Remove programs (for Windows users only) or by using the
Component Category Manager. The following Esri Technical Support document provides instructions on how to remove unwanted third-party extensions:
How to: Uninstall 3rd Party Extensions.