Publishing a geoprocessing service from a Python script fails and returns error 00178

Description

Attempts to publish a geoprocessing service from a Python script fails, returning the generic error code 00178 on a Python analyzer (such as IDLE or PythonWin). This error indicates that the script is using a system file, even when it is not.

Cause

This issue occurs when there are multiple folders registered as data source locations. For instance, a Python script and an ArcMap layout template file are located in separate folders, and registered individually as data sources.
 

For more information on error 00178, please refer to ArcGIS Help: 00178: Data: <value>; used by <value> cannot be copied to the server.

Solution or Workaround

1. Unregister all registered data source locations used by the script.
2. Place all relevant and required files in a single folder (and sub-folders, if necessary).
3. Register the root folder as the data source location. For example:
   
   

Note:
When registering a data source location, select the absolute path type if the script changes ownership frequently.

If a file is shared over a network, ensure the data source location is defined using the UNC path type.

For more information, please refer to ArcGIS Help: Paths explained: Absolute, relative, UNC, and URL.