ERROR

Failed to create the database. FDO error: -2147221231 [GDB_Items]

Last Published: October 1, 2025

Error Message

When creating a new personal or file geodatabase, the following error displays:

"Failed to create the database. FDO error: -2147221231 [GDB_Items]"

When trying to open an existing personal or file geodatabase that opens on another computer, the following error displays:

"Failed to connect to database.
This release of the GeoDatabase is either invalid or out of date. [Invalid Geodatabase release]
XML Parser initialization failed."

Cause

The computer is missing the correct version of XML.

Solution or Workaround

Install MSXML 4 SP3 from the Related Information link below.

    Article ID: 000011068

    Software:
    • ArcMap

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