ERROR

Unable to open [shapefile]

Last Published: April 25, 2020

Solution or Workaround

Summary

This error occurs when running the SHAPEARC [shapefile] command:

Unable to open [shapefile] 

Cause

The shapefile has possibly been moved, deleted, or renamed.

When a shapefile is created, the original name is embedded in the binary part of the file, and that name is checked by the SHAPEARC command. If the name does not match, the above error message will occur.

Solution

Restore the name of the shapefile and run SHAPEARC again.

Warning:
Never rename a shapefile. If you need to change its name, you must recreate the shapefile using PC ARC/INFO or ArcView.

Article ID:000001675

Software:
  • Legacy Products

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