The ArcGIS Server is not able to connect to the specified directory

Error Message

Attempting to register a folder with ArcGIS Server from ArcMap or ArcCatalog returns the error message:

Error:   
The ArcGIS Server is not able to connect to the specified directory. Please ensure the folder exists and has the appropriate permissions for the ArcGIS Server to access it.

Cause

This issue is caused by one or more of the following:

• The account running the ArcGIS Server service does not have permission to access the folder location.
• The path entered is invalid or does not exist.
• The ArcGIS Server machine cannot resolve the machine on which the data resides.

Registering a folder with ArcGIS Server prompts ArcGIS Server Manager or ArcMap/ArcCatalog to send a request to 'https://server.domain.com:6443/arcgis/admin/data/validateDataItem'. Upon receiving the request, ArcGIS Server tests its access and connectivity to the folder. This operation fails if it encounters any of the causes listed above.

Solution or Workaround

To resolve this issue, follow the steps outlined below.

Set folder permissions for the ArcGIS Server account to read data from a local directory

1. Log on to the ArcGIS Server machine hosting the folder to register.
2. Launch Windows File Explorer, and navigate to the location of the folder to register. Right-click the folder, and select Properties.
3. Select the Security tab.
4. Click Edit... to add the ArcGIS Server account to the Group or user names list.

Note:
If the ArcGIS Server account is present in the Group or user names list, proceed to Step 8.

5. Click Add... to display the Select Users, Computers, Service Accounts, or Groups window.

6. Click Locations..., and select the machine name from the list. For domain accounts, select Entire Directory instead. Click OK.
7. Enter the relevant account name into the Enter the object names to select text box, and click Check Names. Click OK.

8. Select the account name from the Group or user names list.
9. Under the Permissions for account_name list, check the Allow check boxes for the Read & execute, List folder contents, and Read options. Click Apply > OK.

Set folder permissions for the ArcGIS Server account to read data from a folder in a shared directory

1. Log on to the ArcGIS Server machine.
2. Launch Windows File Explorer, and navigate to the location of the folder in the shared directory. Right-click the folder, and select Properties.
3. Select the Sharing tab.

4. Click Advanced Sharing..., and select Permissions.

5. Click Add... to display the Select Users, Computers, Service Accounts, or Groups window.

6. Click Locations..., and select the machine name from the list. For domain accounts, select Entire Directory instead. Click OK.

Note:
When adding permissions for a local ArcGIS Server account, and the shared directory is not hosted on the ArcGIS Server machine, an identical local account must be created on the machine hosting the shared directory. This ensures Windows recognizes the account name and allows ArcGIS Server to read data from the shared directory.

7. Enter the relevant account name into the Enter the object names to select text box, and click Check Names. Click OK.

8. Select the account name from the Group or user names list.
9. Under the Permissions for account_name list, check the Allow check box for the Read option. Click Apply > OK.

ArcGIS Server is now able to register the folder.