Running geoprocessing tools fail and return the ERROR 000852 message

Description

In some instances, running geoprocessing tools in ArcGIS Pro fail to generate new output fields in the attribute table and return the following error message:

Error:   
ERROR 000852: Cannot add field <value> to <value>

The following image shows the example of the error message returned after running the Near tool.

Cause

• Schema locks are enabled on the layers. Schema locks are present when a feature is currently being edited. If the feature is in a shared folder, other users may edit the same file simultaneously. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Manage geodatabase locks for more information.
• The shapefile is on a network drive, and the file is set to read-only. ArcGIS Pro requires the directory to be Read and Write to allow full capabilities.
• The input file is a non-editable file. If the input was created using GeoAnalytics tools and saved to the ArcGIS Data Store of type spatiotemporal, adding fields is not supported. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: 000852: Cannot add field <value> to <value> for more information.

Solution or Workaround

Based on the cause of the issue, use one of the solutions provided.

Ensure only one user is editing the data

Locks are applied to feature layers and services to ensure data integrity. When a user is editing data, a schema lock is placed on the table and the owner is not able to change the table schema.

Contact the user to close their connection to the features. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Manage geodatabase locks for more information.

Enable full access to the file

Ensure the file is given read and write access to make changes. Refer to Problem: Running the Near tool fails and returns Error 000499 for the steps to do so.

Use the Feature Class To Feature Class tool to make the file editable and is stored in a local geodatabase file

1. In ArcGIS Pro, navigate to View > Geoprocessing.

2. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for the Feature Class To Feature Class tool in the search box.

3. In the Feature Class To Feature Class pane, under Parameters, select the desired layer for Input Features.
4. Specify a name for Output Name and click Run.

5. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for the required tool in the search box.
6. Run the tool using the output feature layer from step 4 for the Input Features. In this example, the tool used is the Near tool.

The image below shows the Near tool is completed and the fields are added successfully to the attribute table.