Cannot edit a custom tool after creating it

Description

When editing a custom tool such as import, export, or transform, Workbench does not open.

Note:
The content in this article pertains to ArcGIS versions 9.x only. Later versions of ArcGIS may contain different functionality, as well as different names and locations for menus, commands and geoprocessing tools.

Cause

This is a known issue. It occurs when editing tools from the ArcCatalog browse tree if the ArcToolbox window is not open.

Workaround

This only occurs when editing the tool by accessing it through the browse tree of ArcCatalog. Opening the ArcToolbox window and accessing the custom toolbox from there allows the edit.

1. Open ArcCatalog.
2. From the Window menu, select ArcToolbox. This opens the ArcToolbox window.
3. If the toolbox required for access is not in the ArcToolbox window, right-click any blank space in the ArcToolbox window and select Add Toolbox. Navigate to the directory where the toolbox is located, select the toolbox, and click Add.
4. Right-click the tool and click Edit. The Workbench application should now open and allow edits.