HOW TO

Remove detached objects (feature classes) from a geodatabase

Last Published: October 1, 2022

Summary

In the event of data or users being removed from a back-end database, geodatabase objects are sometimes detached. The most likely causes for this are:

  • The objects were unintentionally dropped by a user with a SQL command.
  • During database migration, the geodatabase objects were lost.

Procedure

The instructions provided describe how to remove a detached object from a geodatabase. Before proceeding with the following workflow, ensure a recent verified and tested backup has been completed.

  1. In the back-end database, use SQL to create a table with the same name as the detached object.
    CREATE TABLE <detached_table_name>
    (
    column_name1 data_type,
    column_name2 data_type,
    column_name3 data_type,
    ....
    )
  2. Use ArcCatalog to delete <detached_table_name>.
  3. To add the feature class back in to the geodatabase, create the feature class in ArcCatalog with the same name.

Article ID: 000011812

Software:
  • ArcGIS Desktop 1
  • ArcGIS Server

Receive notifications and find solutions for new or common issues

Get summarized answers and video solutions from our new AI chatbot.

Download the Esri Support App

Related Information

Discover more on this topic

Get help from ArcGIS experts

Contact technical support

Download the Esri Support App

Go to download options