topic Re: Import XML Replica "Register existing data" in ArcGIS Pro Questions

Import XML Replica "Register existing data"

SimonSchütte_ct — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:23:53 GMT

How to import the Replica XML with "Register existing data"?
With Import XML schema I get a "Invalid data" error.
The two databases are set up identically and sync without Register existing data works.

Re: Import XML Replica "Register existing data"

Robert_LeClair — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:54:52 GMT

“Register existing data” is not done by importing the replica XML. It’s a Create Replica option.

Try these steps:

1. Pre-stage the data on the child (your target geodatabase) using a copy/paste or similiar workflow GP tool. Key requirement: the datasets on the child must already exist and match the parent (same names and schema/properties). Pro doc also notes GlobalIDs must exist before copying.

2. In ArcGIS Pro, run Create Replica (Distributed Geodatabase toolset) and check Register existing data only. You must be connected to the child geodatabase as the data owner, and the child must contain the replica datasets.

About your “Invalid data” when using Import XML schema: The XML created/used for replica/disconnected workflows must be an ArcGIS-generated XML workspace document (created by Create Replica with Output Type = Xml file) and is imported with the replica/disconnected workflow (“Import data and schema”)

I'd recommend reading the Help documentation Create a replica in a disconnected environment | ArcGIS Pro documentation to fully understand the process.

Re: Import XML Replica "Register existing data"

SimonSchütte_ct — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 06:58:54 GMT

Thank you. Yes, that were the steps I did take. However my workflow was just starting all tools from the context menu instead directly from the toolbox search, that was my mistake.

For some reason there is a difference between using the "Import XML Workspace Document" toolbox (it works fine) and starting the process by right clicking on the "sde -> import -> XML Workspace Document" which starts the "Import XML Workspace Document Wizard" instead of the "Import XML Workspace Document" toolbox.

The Wizard fails to import XML files that have the option "register data only" selected, but passes with xml replica files where this option is not used.
This is confusing as selecting any other tool via "sde -> export/import" does start a toolbox and not a wizard.

What is the idea behind having "Import XML Workspace Document Wizard" and not just starting up the "Import XML Workspace Document" toolbox? I see that there is some field matching preview, but this can also be implemented in a toolbox.

Re: Import XML Replica "Register existing data"

Robert_LeClair — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:15:44 GMT

Great question - here's what I've been able to find out why the wizard fails for an XML file with "register data only" set for it. The Wizard is validating that the input is a Geodatabase XML workspace document (the XML format produced by Export XML Workspace Document). A replication XML created for geodatabase replication—especially when “register data only” is used—is not a workspace document (it’s a replication message/package), so the Wizard rejects it and surfaces the generic message “Invalid XML Workspace Document file provided.”

Re: Import XML Replica "Register existing data"

SimonSchütte_ct — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:16:46 GMT

I think this should be considered an UI/UX issue. I´ve created an idea here: Implement "Import XML Workspace Document" in Catal... - Esri Community

Re: Import XML Replica "Register existing data"

Robert_LeClair — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:29:32 GMT

Sounds great @SimonSchütte_ct - to close the thread, mark whatever response you feel "resolved" the question so others can learn from this item (Accept as Solution button).