Unable to change the order of layers in Table Of Contents for ArcMap

Description

After changing the order of layers in the Table Of Contents, the layers return to their original order.

Cause

The following are two possible causes of this issue:

• The layers order is changed in tabs other than the List By Drawing Order tab in the Table Of Contents.
• The layers order is changed while all layers are selected. Starting with ArcMap 9.x and 10, all layers are automatically selected when multiple layers are added simultaneously.

Solution or Workaround

To change the order of layers in the Table Of Content, select the List By Drawing Order tab. Drag and drop the layers in the Table Of Content to adjust their drawing order. If all the layers are selected, click in a blank area of the Table Of Contents to unselect the layers before adjusting their drawing order.

Alternatively, reboot the system by restarting the computer.