topic Re: Failed to open project unable to determine project type in ArcGIS Pro Questions

Failed to open project unable to determine project type

RayDanser — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:24:51 GMT

I hope someone has run into this issue. I have a project that I've kept updated for years. Within this project are around 50 map layouts that I keep updated. Today, after closing the project due to some network loss issues we encountered as an agency, I received this message upon attempting to re-open: "Failed to open project unable to determine project type..". I have no idea how to recover my work. Help!

Re: Failed to open project unable to determine project type

RayDanser — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:26:18 GMT

I failed to mention that I am currently using v3.3.0

Re: Failed to open project unable to determine project type

CodyPatterson — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:53:53 GMT

Hey @RayDanser

I would attempt these things here:

Restart the computer and try again

Move the project to your desktop and try to open it again

Take a backup before you do this, but right click and go to properties, and then check to see if there are any Previous Versions

If your company has a backup software, attempt to grab a copy from there if none else works.

I can try to think of some other things, but this has been the path I've taken when things like this happen.

Cody

Re: Failed to open project unable to determine project type

RayDanser — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:56:13 GMT

Thanks Cody! Those are all great ideas. I've already rebooted. I'll try your other suggestions.

Re: Failed to open project unable to determine project type

Robert_LeClair — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:38:39 GMT

Another thing to try is in ArcGIS Pro Settings under the Application-General tab, click the radio button for "Show the start page" under the Start ArcGIS Pro item. Once ArcGIS Pro starts, open the project file (*.aprx). Does the project load?

Re: Failed to open project unable to determine project type

RayDanser — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:42:32 GMT

Hi Robert. Thank you for the reply.

That is how I attempted to open the project when I received the error. I'm currently contacting my IT department in order to revert my directory to a previous version. Thank you for the idea!

Re: Failed to open project unable to determine project type

DustinDuncan — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:33:22 GMT

Did you happen to find a solution?