Error creating contour - failed to copy raster dataset

[DavidStrip]

I'm trying to create a contours layer from an elevation raster. It fails with a 9999 error, followed by
(esriDataSourcesRaster:GdalDriver") Failed to copy raster dataset
then error 010240 Could not save raster dataset to ...\temp\g_g7634

There is no name conflict in the temp file where it's trying to copy, and there's plenty of disk space.

My raster is 16bit x 23,500 x 19,500, or about 1GB.
Is that too big?

[TraceyOwens]

I changed my environment settings within the contour tool. I changed the workspace to the database I am currently using; instead of the ArcGIS default gdb.

I am using version 10.0 sp 5. I was running the tool in ArcMap.

[SteveLynch]

Try using a smaller extent or larger interval

[Anna-MariaMueller]

I am trying to run IDW interpolation with barriers. The process fails to convert the barrier into a shapefile in the Windows\System32 folder (where I don't have full write permission). First of all I don't understand why it needs to convert the barrier into a shapefile, even when I provide it in the form of a shapefile. But more importantly, I would really like to know how to redirect Spatial Analyst to a different folder. I saw somebody had the same problem years ago. An ESRI person suggested to set the current and scratch workspace to some other folder. That does not resolve the isse. It is STILL trying to write to the system32 folder.
In the old thread the problem never seemed have been resolved. So I am starting a new one.
I would really appreciate getting this resolved.

Anna-Maria Mueller

[curtvprice]

I am trying to run IDW interpolation with barriers. The process fails to convert the barrier into a shapefile in the Windows\System32 folder (where I don't have full write permission).

Have you tried either setting ARCTMPDIR to a writeable location, or starting ArcMap in a folder you have write access to? This has been an issue with topological processing in ArcGIS and the IDW barriers functionality may use some of that code.

KB 29559 - Problem:  Certain geoprocessing tools will not execute or work unless the user is an admi...

(By the way, setting the current and scratch workspace to the same location [preferably a folder workspace] is best practice for heavy raster processing, so even if it didn't help you this time, it's a good idea anyway.)

[Anna-MariaMueller]

Thanks for the note. Yes, it did have to do with to do with administrative permissions.
When I run ArcGIS as Administrator it is ok. What I didn't know is that in Windows 7 there is a difference between "Run as Administrator" and just running a program under a user account that is a member of the Administrator group. That's an awfully subtle but important distinction.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_programs/difference-between-run-a...

and links therein

I also found out that instead of always having to right-click on the ArcMap shortcut to access the "Run as administrator" one can go to "Properties" (also accessed through right-click) then go to the "Compatibility" tab and check "Run this program as administrator". Then it will always run with full administrator privileges. Looks like that solved the problem.

AM

[curtvprice]

Thanks for the note. Yes, it did have to do with to do with administrative permissions.
When I run ArcGIS as Administrator it is ok.

Anna/Donald:

That's because as administrator you do can write garbage to the aformentioned system32 folder. Not that you really want to,and not that you want to be logged in as administrator while doing your work (this is extremely hazardous to your computer's security). You should only use admin accounts while installing software or making system tweaks, and DEFINITELY not when not browsing the web or reading email.

It's a much better fix to set the environment variable ARCTMPDIR to a writeable location (best practice- a local disk drive).

[Anna-MariaMueller]

Anna/Donald:

It's a much better fix to set the environment variable ARCTMPDIR to a writeable location (best practice- a local disk drive).

Well, that makes good sense. My problem is I am new to ArcGIS and don't know how to set ARCTMPDIR. Could you point me to some step-by-step instructions.

I do appreciate your help. Thanks!

AM

[curtvprice]

Well, that makes good sense. My problem is I am new to ArcGIS and don't know how to set ARCTMPDIR.

This is covered in the KB article I referenced above, under a link labeled "show me".

The easiest way to get to user environment variables in Win 7 is to enter "env" in the search box on the start menu.

[Anna-MariaMueller]

This is covered in the KB article I referenced above, under a link labeled "show me".

The easiest way to get to user environment variables in Win 7 is to enter "env" in the search box on the start menu.

Ah! Thank you! Now I see. I think the first time around I ended up in the wrong KB article. For some reason the link didn't take me all the way to 29559. But I got it now. I appreciate it.

[curtvprice]

I just ran into this issue with ArcGIS 10.2.2 ArcCatalog.

I'm running a script tool that runs CreateConstantRaster and I get exactly the same GDAL error.

(esriDataSourcesRaster:GdalDriver") Failed to copy raster dataset

then error 010240 Could not save raster dataset to C:\system32\temp\g_g7634

The tool runs fine from ArcMap.

Setting ARCTMPDIR to a writeable folder before launching ArcCatalog solved my problem.