Errors occurred during the buffering operation

Error Message

When using ArcMap's Buffer Wizard to buffer selected features based on an attribute field, the following error message may be returned:

"Errors occurred during the buffering operation".

After dismissing the 'Buffering failed' message box, the Buffer Wizard exits.

Cause

Using the ArcMap Buffer Wizard when the attribute field used for buffering is in a joined table.

Solution or Workaround

1. Select the features to buffer.
2. Create a selection layer from the selected features.
   

   To create a selection layer
   
   A. In the ArcMap Table of Contents, right-click a layer with some features selected.
   B. Click Selection > Create Layer From Selected Features.
   
   A selection layer is added to ArcMap.

   
   
   
3. Open the Buffer Wizard and buffer using the selection layer.