Unable to save customized symbols in the Symbol Selector

Description

The Symbol Selector dialog boxes show a palette of symbols that reside in any of the currently referenced styles or in a user's personal styles. Using the Symbol Selector, users can implement custom symbols if none of the symbols desired are present in the palette or are difficult to find.

However, users are unable to save customized symbols in the Symbol Selector if the Save As button in the Symbol Selector dialog box is disabled.

Cause

The button may be disabled due to the following reasons:

• The .style file is set to Read-Only.
• There is an issue related to the Normal.mxt file.
• The data or the MXD file is corrupt.

Solution or Workaround

Depending on the cause, the following workarounds are applicable.

Note:
Close all Esri applications running on the system before proceeding to the workaround.

Ensure there is Read and Write access to the .style file

This file is located at:

C:\Users\*username*\AppData\Roaming\ESRI\Desktop10.x\ArcMap

Note:
Enable 'Show Hidden Files and Folders' if unable to locate the application data folder. This can be done in Windows 7 or 8 by clicking Organize Drop-down > Folder and Search Options > View Tab > Show Hidden Files and Folders.

Rename the Normal.mxt file

1. Navigate to the following directory path:

C:\User\*username*\AppData\Roaming\ESRI\Desktop10.x\ArcMap\Templates

2. Right-click the Normal.mxt file, and click Rename.
3. Rename the file to 'Normal_old.mxt'.
4. Start ArcMap.

Warning:
The instructions below include making changes to essential parts of the operating system. Esri recommends performing a back up of the operating system and files, including the registry, before proceeding. Consult a qualified computer systems professional if necessary.
Be aware that renaming the Esri folders is a factory reset of ArcGIS, and therefore all third party tools, custom scripts, or custom toolbars currently installed must be reinstalled accordingly. Additionally, all existing folder connections must be reconnected.
Esri cannot guarantee results from incorrect modifications while following these instructions. Proceed with caution.

Note:
If ArcGIS Pro is installed on the machine, ensure that an ArcGIS Pro license is not checked out from ArcGIS Online.
If unsure that the ArcGIS Pro license is checked out on the machine, contact Esri Technical Support at 888-377-4575.

Rename the Esri folder

1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. Navigate to:

C:\Users\*username*\AppData\Roaming\ESRI

3. Right-click the Esri folder and select Rename. Rename the folder to 'ESRI_old'.

Edit the Registry Key

1. Click the Start menu > Run > type regedit.
2. In the Registry Editor, expand the HKEY_CURRENT_USER folder.
3. Expand the Software folder.
4. Rename the Esri folder to 'Esri_old'.

5. Close the Registry Editor window.
6. Start ArcMap.