Error: ImportError: DLL load failed: %1 is not a valid Win32 application

Error Message

When attempting to import ArcPy into ArcGIS Pro, the import statement returns the following error message:

Error:   
ImportError: DLL load failed: %1 is not a valid Win32 application.

Cause

The ArcGIS Pro 64-bit Python interpreter is attempting to import a 32-bit module, as the Environment Variable 'PYTHON' or 'PYTHONPATH' is referencing a folder containing the ArcMap 32-bit ArcPy module.

Solution or Workaround

1. Run the following script in the ArcGIS Pro Python interpreter:

import sys
for path in sys.path:
	print (path)

Note:
The script loops through each path the Python interpreter references for modules. If the generated lists include  the ArcMap 32-bit ArcPy module, move to Step 2. 

2. Navigate to Control Panel > System > Advanced system settings > Environment Variables. The Environment Variables 'PYTHON' or 'PYTHONPATH' is defined here.

3. Select the 'PYTHON' or 'PYTHONPATH' variable and click Edit.... This opens the Edit System Variable window.
4. Change the Variable value to C:\Program Files\ArcGIS\Pro\bin\Python. Click OK.
5. Restart the machine.

Related Information

• Esri Canada: Configure your Python IDE to work with ArcMap and ArcGIS Pro's ArcPy
• Problem: Unable to import arcpy
• Problem: Unable to use the ArcPy module
• FAQ: Why do Python scripts fail on a machine with both ArcGIS for Server and Desktop installed?

Last Published: 2/18/2020

Article ID: 000019997