broken data source crashed ArcMAP

[JohnWatermolen]

When I have broken data source on in the TOC, when I click on it ArcMAP crashes. I find it very frustrating and have several other users that experience the same thing

[DanPatterson_Retired]

what is the broken data source? something like a basemap? a file on a server?  Have you tried creating a new dataframe, moving all the good files into it, then deleting/removing the data frame with the broken link in it?  that way you don't have to touch the file, if that is what is causing the problem.

[JayantaPoddar]

If the above solution doesn't work out, try https://community.esri.com/docs/DOC-2121?sr=search&searchId=6169eada-0530-47b9-ac18-23a5c4f3abeb&sea...‌

[JoshuaBixby]

In addition to what Dan asks, what version and patches are you running? 

[RebeccaStrauch__GISP]

I have an addin /blogs/myAlaskaGIS/2015/08/31/python-addin-for-data-inventory-and-broken-link-repair?sr=search&searc...‌  that may help you find and repair the broken link. If nothing else, the tool to list the broken links is handy.

Also, in ArcCatalog, you should be able to right-click on the mxd and choose fix datasets.  This creates a new mxd, so it doesn't change the mxd.  You have to know what it is you are wanting to change for the tool, but maybe even saving it without changing will help.

[MichaelVolz]

Does ArcMap crash instantly when you click on the Broken Datasource?  Or does ArcMap "think" for awhile before crashing?

[JohnWatermolen]

I have had both happen, usually automatically crashes when I click on the link

[MichaelVolz]

Is your broken datasource originating from an enterprise SDE database?

[JohnWatermolen]

Michael,

Usually not. Usually it is shapefile or feature classes, maybe from people who retired

John