Correct a fatal error resulting in automatic shutdown in ArcGIS for Desktop

Note:
Esri has announced that ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap and its associated suite of tools, including ArcGlobe, etc.) will no longer be available through the Education Site License beginning July 1, 2024. This means that all current ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap) users will need to transition to ArcGIS Pro or ArcGIS Online by June 30, 2024. For further details, see ArcMap Retirement in Education Programs.

If the startup file in ArcGIS for Desktop or component applications (for example, ArcGlobe, ArcScene) is corrupt, a fatal error can occur. Renaming or deleting the existing startup file will often resolve the error. Once the corrupted startup file is removed, ArcGIS will create a new startup file after the application is launched. To remove the startup file:

  1. Make sure all ArcGIS for Desktop applications are closed.
  2. Navigate to the folder containing the startup file for the component you wish to repair.
    Note:
    If you delete the startup file of an ArcGIS application, you will lose any customizations you made to that application, including VBA code, buttons, options, and settings.
    Application File to delete
    ArcCatalog Normal.gxt
    ArcGlobe Normal.3dt
    ArcMap Normal.mxt
    ArcReader ArcReader.art
    ArcScene Normal.sxt
    ArcToolbox ArcToolbox.dat
  3. After deleting the application startup file, start the desired ArcGIS application.
  4. If applicable, reset or import your previous options and customizations.

For more, see the Esri Support article Error: ArcMap.exe has generated errors and will be closed by Windows.

This is document asuv in the Knowledge Base.
Last modified on 2023-06-30 15:49:36.