Change ArcMap's template directory to a network location

Summary

By default the Template Path for ArcMap is a local directory, but you can change this to a network path.

For example, you might change this to a network location to save disk space on machines where ArcGIS is installed. Also, using a common network template path for all machines in your organization makes it easier to maintain a set of custom ArcGIS map templates used by everyone in your organization.

Procedure

1. Close ArcMap.
2. Start the ArcMap Advanced Settings Utility.
   
   If you are running ArcGIS 9.0 or ArcGIS 9.1, find this application in C:\Program Files\ArcGIS\Utilities.
   
   If you are running ArcGIS 8.2 or ArcGIS 8.3, find this application at: C:\arcgis\arcexe82\Utilities or C:\arcgis\arcexe83\Utilities.
   
   

   Note:
   ArcGIS may be installed at a different location on your computer.

   
   
   If you are running an earlier version of ArcGIS, find this application here: C:\arcgis\arcexe81\ArcObjects Developer Kit\Utilities.
   
   

   Note:
   If you are running ArcGIS 8.1.x or earlier, this application will only be available if you have installed the Developer Kit for ArcGIS. If the application is not available on your machine see Install the Advanced ArcMap Settings tool, listed in Related Information below. The exact location will vary depending on where ArcGIS is installed.

   
   
3. Select the System Paths tab.
4. Change the Templates Path to a network location.
   For example, \\Costanza\ESRI\ArcMap\Templates.
5. Click Apply. You will need to make this change on all machines where ArcGIS is installed.
   
   

   Note:
   When you change the Templates Path using the ArcMap Advanced Settings Utility, you are actually changing a registry key. It is possible to use RegEdit to edit this key directly.

   
   
   

   Note:
   Changing the path using the utility merely changes the location where ArcMap will look for templates and template data. Double check where the templates and template data reside. You can copy or move the templates and data manually into the location where your new path points, making sure to keep the directory structure intact. Alternatively, you can use the installer and install the templates and data in the location where the path points.