ERROR

Failed to delete one of the specified fields. Cannot delete a field that is part of an index or is needed by the system.

Last Published: April 25, 2020

Error Message

Deleting a field with an index from a table or feature class within a Personal Geodatabase causes the following error to be returned:

"Failed to delete one of the specified fields."

"Cannot delete a field that is part of an index or is needed by the system."

Cause

The field has an index associated with it that is causing the error.

Solution or Workaround

If the index is managed by the Geodatabase, such as an index on the ObjectID field or an index added because of a relationship class, it cannot be deleted.

If the index is user-managed and was added by a user, delete the index from the Index tab prior to deleting the field.

    Article ID: 000010132

    Software:
    • ArcMap

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