Add better error message for importing feature class into feature dataset with same name in Geodatabase

[EricDaniel]

Currently if you attempt to import a new feature class into a feature dataset within a geodatabase that has the same name as the feature class you are importing anywhere in that entire geodatabase you get a very generic error message (Error 000210 - Failed to Convert).  It you attempt to use the Feature Class to Feature Class to bring it in, you get a different error (Error 000594 - falls outside of geomtry).  Both of these point you in the wrong direction in attempting to find the true problem.  

So the request here is to add a better and more meaningful error message, something like "target already exists".  From what I have heard from others this is a common problem and many have spent many hours troubleshooting when a simply a better error message could have prevented this.  

[ScottStevens1]

In general ESRI provides very meaningless error messages. This is another prime example. It requires SWAG to figure the answer. (Scientific Wild Ass Guess)

[ClaireBrill]

In addition to giving more meaningful error messages, particulary in this case when the solution is very basic, can we change this behavior for feature classes in feature datasets?  Is there a reason that feature classes in separate feature datasets are not allowed to have the same name?

[AnnAler]

I agree about esri's penchant for useless error messages and also say THANK YOU for explaining what I finally came to figure out on my own! 

[BernieConnors]

I completely agre with this - the error messages are completely unhelpful for such a simple problem.  I am surprised this item has not been voted higher.

[Jocelynvan_den_Akker]

Completely agree, I was just trying to do the same thing (import to a feature class) and got the same error message (Error 000594) for a completely different reason (my dataset was locates in a full personal geodatabase). I only fiugred out the solution because I have had this error before, but it took me all morning to figure it out! Please fix!

[Ann123]

Totally agree. Better error messages.  That this problem persists 4 years after the initial post proves it.  Error 000210: cannot create output still is vague and misleading.
 

[CraigPennington]

This is a typical problem using ESRI software.  It requires hours of my time and often unnecessary time spent by ESRI support staff.  In my experience, with proper error trapping, a meaningful error can be provided in almost all cases.  I suggest allocating more resources to returning useful error messages.  This would probably result in overall savings for ESRI.  It certainly would if you include lost time by developers.

[SSWoodward]

Afternoon all, thank you for your comments.

In the current version of ArcGIS Pro (3.3.1) Importing a feature class to a feature dataset of the same name returns:

ERROR 002852: Output Feature Class: <class_name> exists within geodatabase as <path to feature dataset>. A  <object type> name can only exist once within a geodatabase, including within all feature datasets.