ArcCatalog crashes on shut down and/or displays the ArcToolbox Results tab

Description

This article addresses two problems:- ArcCatalog crashes on shut down.- The ArcToolbox Results tab displays for several seconds or minutes when shutting down ArcCatalog or ArcMap, which may or may not result in a crash.

Cause

The problems listed above may be caused by a large amount of geoprocessing results stored in the Results tab in ArcToolbox in ArcCatalog.

Whenever a geoprocessing tool is run in ArcCatalog, the results are stored in the Results tab in ArcToolbox. This persists between ArcCatalog sessions. Conversely, when a geoprocessing tool is run in ArcMap, the results are stored in the Results tab in ArcToolbox, and saved within the MXD. The stored information can be an issue because it is common for the Results tab to contain many geoprocessing results, potentially spanning many months. The increase of geoprocessing results causes ArcCatalog to crash upon shut down or the ArcToolbox Results tab to display for several seconds or minutes when shutting down ArcMap or ArcCatalog.

Note:
If many geoprocessing operations are performed, it is good practice to clear the Results tab in ArcToolbox in ArcMap and ArcCatalog on a regular basis. Results are not cleared automatically by the application.

Solution or Workaround

1. Shut down ArcMap and open ArcCatalog.
2. Go to ArcToolbox > Results tab. In the Results tab, 'Current Session' and 'Previous Sessions' should display. If 'Previous Sessions' is not there, go to to step 4. If 'Previous Sessions' is there, go to step 3.
3. Right-click 'Previous Sessions' and select Remove All.
4. If the ArcToolbox Results tab displays for several seconds or minutes when shutting down ArcMap, open ArcMap > ArcToolbox > Results tab. In the Results tab, 'Current Session' and 'Previous Sessions' displays. Right-click 'Previous Sessions' and select Remove All.