Inconsistent extent?

[JessicaStitcher]

I am a very new GIS user, and have recently received the "warning: inconsistent extent" message when loading a new shapefile.  As a result, this shapefile does not display with the rest of my data.  I imagine there's a standard solution for this, but I have very limited experience and am not sure where to begin.  Any help you can provide would be appreciated!

[WilliamClark]

We need some more information.
What are the current projections of...
1)the layer in your table of contents
and
2)the data layer you are trying to add?

To find out, use either ArcMap or ArcCatolog, right click layer (or double click) >> properties >> source tab.

Have you defined the projections or are they as found?

[JessicaStitcher]

The layer in the table of contents is as follows:
Projected Coordinate System: NAD_1983_Oregon_Statewide_Lambert_Feet_Intl
Projection: Lambert_Conformal_Conic
Geographic Coordinate System: GCS_North_American_1983
Datum:  D_North_American_1983

The layer that I'm trying to add is as follows:
Geographic Coordinate System: GCS_North_American_1983
Datum:  D_North_American_1983

I have not defined the projections; they are as found.

[DanPatterson_Retired]

Insert a new data frame.  Add the problematic layer to it with no other data.  Mouse around on screen and check to see if the coordinates shown on the bottom right look "correct".  I have seen instances where data has been published/distributed in a supposed coordinate system when in fact it is in another, demonstrating the improper use of the Define Projection tool rather than the Project tool.  If that doesn't answer the questions, add the other data to see if you get the error message again.

[WilliamClark]

So, it appears the layer you are trying to add does not have a projection, just a geogrpahic coordinate system defined.  If this is so you need to project the layer you are bringing in.

The following can be done in either Map or Catalog.  I use Catalog.
In 'Data Management Tools' Toolbox >> Projections and Transformations >> Feature (or raster depending on what you are working with) >> Project.  Drag and drop your unprojected layer into the top slot, rename it and save it where you want in the third slot (the second slot is grayed-out), select the hand icon to select your projection: select >> projected coordinate system >> state systems >> scroll to find "NAD 83 Oregon Statewide Lamber Feet Intl.prj."

This creates a new file you will then have to add to your table of contents in ArcMap.
But it may be that the defined geographic cooridinate system is wrong.  If reprojection does not work let us know.  Good luck.

[JessicaStitcher]

Unfortunately, I received an error message when trying to project it:

['D_North_American_1983',SPHEROID['GRS_1980',6378137.0,298.257222101]],PRIMEM['Greenwich',0.0],UNIT['Degree',0.0174532925199433]],PROJECTION['Lambert_Conformal_Conic'],PARAMETER['False_Easting',1312335.958005249],PARAMETER['False_Northing',0.0],PARAMETER['Central_Meridian',-120.5],PARAMETER['Standard_Parallel_1',43.0],PARAMETER['Standard_Parallel_2',45.5],PARAMETER['Latitude_Of_Origin',41.75],UNIT['Foot',0.3048]] # GEOGCS['GCS_North_American_1983',DATUM['D_North_American_1983',SPHEROID['GRS_1980',6378137.0,298.257222101]],PRIMEM['Greenwich',0.0],UNIT['Degree',0.0174532925199433]]
ERROR 999999: Error executing function.
invalid extent for output coordinate system
A locator with this name does not exist.
Failed to execute (Project).

[WilliamClark]

Okay,
That means Dan and I were right, it is not defined properly.  My first guess is it was defined as a geographic coordinate system but should have been defined as a projected coordinate system.

If you look at the extent of the pesky layer does its extent closely match or make sense compared to the non-troubled layer you are working with?
Check by: in ArcMap (doesn't work in Catalog), right click layer >> Properties >> Source tab.  The extent information is above the box where you read the projection information.  If it is close to the non-troubled layer try the following.

Redefining the projection:
Data Management Tools >> Projections and Transformations >> Define Projection

Drag the pesky file into the box and define.
Use the hand select button:
Select >> Projected Coordinate Systems >> State Systems >> find your Lambert etc.

See if you can use it now.
If it still does not work it must be defined in a wholly different coordinate system.  If so, post the extent information you found and we can go from there.

[JessicaStitcher]

Unfortunately the extent is completely different. 

For the pesky layer:  Top: 599751.201863 ft
                             Left: 7507113.000510 ft
                             Right: 7882524.312533 ft
                             Bottom: 373562.534783 ft

For the non-troubled layer: Top: 1222370.327253 ft
                                      Left: 630135.500000 ft
                                      Right: 742600.561754 ft
                                      Bottom: 1103381.125000 ft

I really appreciate all of your help!

[WilliamClark]

Are these supposed to overlap or sit near one another?
If they are supposed to overlap their extents say they won't (the far right of the okay layer is left of the far left of the pesky layer).  If they are just supposed to be near, I would do the redefinition because their extents are reasonably close - but again, if they are supposed to overlap...

[JessicaStitcher]

They're supposed to overlap.  When I click "full extent", they both appear on the screen, but VERY far from each other, when in reality, they cover the exact same area.