Importing a Style file from ArcGIS Desktop into ArcGIS Pro results in an Import Style error, “The following file did not convert.”

Error Message

ArcGIS Desktop Style files, containing symbology, grids, color ramps and other types of symbols can be imported into ArcGIS Pro.  This is typically done when custom symbols have been created and have been stored in a custom Style file in ArcGIS Desktop.

When the import process is attempted, the import may return the error message:

“The following file did not convert.”

Cause

The ArcGIS Desktop Style file model is based on the Microsoft Access Database, and can become corrupted.  In the case where the style file has become corrupted, the style will no longer be usable in ArcMap either.

Solution or Workaround

1. Open Microsoft Access on the computer.
2. Click File > Open and navigate to the folder where the corrupt style file is stored.
3. In the Open dialog in the lower right corner change the File Type to All Files (*.*).
4. Select the problem style file and click Open.
   Microsoft Access returns the following message :

Microsoft Access has detected that this database is in an inconsistent state, and will attempt to recover the database. During this process, a backup copy of the database will be made, and all recovered objects will be placed in a new database. Access will then open the new database. The names of objects that were not successfully recovered will be logged in the "Recovery Errors" table.

5. Click OK in the dialog, and the following message appears:

Microsoft Access has recovered this database. Examine the database to verify that there are no missing database objects.

6. Save the style file with a new name, maintaining the .Style extension for the file.

The new copy of the style file will import into ArcGIS Pro without errors. The repaired copy of the style file will also work again in ArcMap.