Thanks Stephanie Wendel!
This solved my problem (using ArcGIS 10.2.2), which I've struggled with for some time- even tried reinstalling ArcGIS.
1. shut down ArcGIS applications
2. rename registry folder (to create a new clean one) - HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ESRI
3. rename app_data roaming folder (to create a new clean one) - C:\Users\*****\AppData\Roaming\ESRI
4. reinitialize applications by running ArcCatalog
Cheers,
Øivin Aarnes
Here's a document on the subject with more details - an essential ArcGIS Desktop skill!
The following should help troubleshoot common ArcToolbox errors: geoXchange - Technical Support Blog - Troubleshooting Common ArcToolbox errors
The error you mention is specifically to do with a registry setting:
1. Go to Start > Run and type in: regedit
2. Go to HKEY_Current_User > Software > ESRI > Desktop 10.0 > ArcToolbox > Settings.
3. Locate the binary value called DlgHelpWidth, right-click it, and choose Modify.
4. Change the value data to cc. Click OK and close registry editor.
2024 and this worked for me ty
Hi,
I had same problem ... i tried everything .... cleaning registry, deleting everything related to ESRI and ArcGIS, renaming folders in registry and app data, system restore ... even clean install of ArcGIS ... nothing helped ...
Then, i have researched the problem and I have realized that problem was in upgrading of Internet Explorer to v11 by default windows updater
So, I downgraded my IE to v 8.0 and I have set up security for ActiveX controls and plugins following instruction on this thread ArcGIS Geoprocessing Tools Scripting Error GISNuts.com
And whoa toolbox started to work like charm again...
I hope that this will help someone
strange...ie use IE 11 exclusively with no issues
I don't know ... Just couple of days ago, I had to reinstall complete OS with disk formatting, so I had clean OS installation and clean ArcGIS installation just few days ago. After couple of automatic updates of Win7x64 via windows update I had this problem with blank toolbox windows. After downgrading IE and setting up ActiveX controls inside IE toolobx started to work again.
ESRI has posted a knowledgebase technical article about the problem. It appears to be related to McAfee or Avast antivirus messing with certain registry entries.
See 41057 - Tools open with blank dialog windows
Solution or Workaround
If McAfee is currently installed and must remain in use, contact McAfee for assistance. If McAfee is installed but not required on the computer, then uninstall it before proceeding with the solution below. After McAfee antivirus software is uninstalled, follow the steps below to resolve the issue.